This native annual grows erect and up to 5 feet tall, but usually much shorter. The leaves, up to 5 inches long, are usually twice divided (bipinnate) and resemble fern fronds (D). The flower heads, about 1/2 inch long, consist of a bundle of orange disk flowers; they are usually surrounded by several yellow ray florets (B). The fruit is an achene with long, barbed bristles which readily stick to fur and clothing to aid in dispersal (C). Images (E and F) show the spreading of the needle bunch and the harpoon-like hooks of the needles. The fern-like leaves differentiate this Bidens from the other species of that genus.