Big Devils Beggartick

Bidens vulgata

Native to:
Canada, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Asteraceae
Genus:
Bidens
Species:
Bidens vulgata
USDA Symbol:
BIVU

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
150 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
aug,sep,oct
Bloom Colors:
yellow

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Keystone Species Ranking

Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
★★★☆☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Agonopterix atrodorsella, Bidens borer (Epiblema otiosana)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, bees, butterflies

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
moist, fertile, well-drained loam
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
tolerates poor drainage
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
commonly found in disturbed areas and wetlands

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
7–21 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily in moist conditions; light may enhance germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI