Spanish needles - Bidens bipinnata (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Culture, Images, Control)

Spanish needles

Also known as: Bipinnate Beggar-Ticks, Spanish Needles Beggar-Ticks, Spanish blackjack, Cuckolds

Spanish needles (Bidens bipinnata) are a very common flowering plant that is evolutionarily related to daisies. The spanish needles is native to North America and Asia, and grows throughout the world. The spanish needles is considered a hearty plant that can grow in a wide range of environmental conditions.

Scientific classification

Species

Spanish needles (Bidens bipinnata)

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

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Weeds

Weed or not

Annual, Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Fall

Harvest Time

1.5 m

Plant Height

60 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

6 mm to 1 cm

Flower Size

Brown

Fruit Color

Yellow, White

Flower Color

Green, Red

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous, Semi-evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Spanish needles

Distribution of Spanish needles

Distribution Map

Spanish needles, originally native to North America, has experienced a wide distribution stretching across temperate and tropical regions of various continents including Asia, Europe, and Africa. It has also been introduced to parts of Australia and South America, thriving in a range of environments outside its indigenous habitat.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Rocky woods, roadsides, waste places, sandy soils

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Spanish needles is grown for its flowers and tall stems, used in landscaping and wildflower gardens. Its aggressive growth means it can easily fill areas that need it. This species attracts bees and butterflies. Its flowers are considered showy and attractive.

Name Story

Spanish needles: This plant that is native to Spain and blooms in late-summer is called Spanish Needles because the needle-like dry fruits will adhere to anything passing by. Each seed ends with a backward-pointing barb feature that clings to the fur, pants, shoestrings, and skin.

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Weed Control

Spanish needles is a weed native to North America, principally the eastern and central U.S. down to Texas and Florida. It will often grow in forests, fields and agricultural areas. It attracts butterflies and pollinating insects but can tend to become weedy in a garden. One plant can produce several thousand seeds. These species will often colonize an area quickly. It is on the state invasive species list in Georgia. The thorns on the seed aid dispersal by attaching to animals, clothing, or machinery. Seed growth can be prevented by mowing or hand pulling the young plants as soon as possible.

How to Control It

The optimal season for removing spanish needles is usually late spring to early summer. It is vital to remove the weed before it produces seeds to prevent its spread. Here are a few methods for organic or interesting approaches to controlling or removing this plant:

Hand-pulling: Wearing gloves, grip the spanish needles firmly at its base, and pull gently until the entire root comes out of the ground. Ensure to remove all parts and dispose them properly.
Mulching: Spread a layer of organic matter, such as straw, wood chips, or compost around the plants. This inhibits the growth of spanish needles by restricting light, thus deterring germination.
Tilling: Use a garden tiller to turn over the soil, uprooting the spanish needles plant. Make sure to rake up and dispose of all plant pieces to prevent regrowth.
Solarization: On a sunny day, drape a clear plastic sheet on the area where spanish needles is growing, secure the edges, and leave it for a few weeks. The heat from the sun will kill the plants and seeds.
Plant Competitive crops: Plant crops that grow quickly and densely. They will compete with the spanish needles for resources and hinder its growth.

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Care Guide for Spanish needles

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Spanish needles thrives in moist environments, requiring consistent hydration with weekly watering. While it can tolerate brief dryness, it prefers a sunny outdoor location. Humidity during the growing season enhances growth and resilience, making proper care essential for its vitality.

Propagation: Spanish needles propagates best by sowing in spring, with moderate difficulty. Successful propagation is marked by healthy growth. To ensure optimal results, maintain adequate moisture during the germination phase.

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Images of Spanish needles

Distribution of Spanish needles

Culture

Weed Control

Care Guide for Spanish needles

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