This annual grows up to 3 feet tall. The leaves are divided into 3 or 5 lance-shaped, toothed leaflets. They are opposite on smooth, usually purple stems (C). The yellow-orange flower heads are framed by about 8 slender leaf-like bracts. There are usually no petal-like ray florets (B). The several species of beggar ticks found in our area are highly variable and not easy to tell apart in the field. This one has about 8 slender bracts. A close look at the fruit (achene), which has barbs that cling to fur and clothing, helps botanists differentiate between the Bidens species. See also the description for Bidens comosa.