Try for Free
tab list
PictureThis
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Svenska
Polskie
ภาษาไทย
Bahasa Melayu
Bahasa Indonesia
PictureThis
Search
Search Plants
Try for Free
Global
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Svenska
Polskie
ภาษาไทย
Bahasa Melayu
Bahasa Indonesia
This page looks better in the app
picturethis icon
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free picturethis icon
Continue Reading
Hairy beggarticks
Also known as: Spanish Needle, Devil's Needles, Farmers Friend, Black-jack, Farmer's friends, Spanish needles
Hairy beggarticks (Bidens pilosa) is a slender, annual flowering plant native to North and South America and grown all over the world. Hairy beggarticks is also called black-jack and devils needles. Seed dispersal occurs with this plant, and its seeds are transported by animals. As a result, hairy beggarticks has become an invasive species in many countries.
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Weeds
Weed or not
Annual, Perennial
Lifespan
Herb
Plant Type
Mid spring, Late spring, Summer, Fall, Early winter
Bloom Time
Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Harvest Time
10 cm to 1.8 m
Plant Height
20 cm to 90 cm
Spread
Green
Leaf Color
5 mm to 1.5 cm
Flower Size
Black
Fruit Color
White, Yellow, Orange, Gold
Flower Color
Green, Purple
Stem Color
Winter dormancy
Dormancy
Deciduous
Leaf type
20 - 38 ℃
Ideal Temperature

Images of Hairy beggarticks

Distribution of Hairy beggarticks

Distribution Map
Hairy beggarticks has a widespread presence, being native to regions in the Americas and Asia. The plant has also found its way to various regions on other continents such as Africa and Europe where, in certain areas, it is sometimes thought to be unwelcome, potentially impacting local ecosystems. This opportunistic grower has adapted to a broad range of conditions across numerous introduced regions. Despite its adaptability, hairy beggarticks may have an impact on native plants and biodiversity where it is considered invasive.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
Discover plant distribution and habitat
Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.
Download the App for Free
Habitat
Damp lowland fields and wasteland, moist, open neglected places
Hemisphere Trend Curve
Flowering
Fruiting

Culture

Symbolism
Warning against jealousy and covetousness
Interesting Facts
Although hairy beggarticks, or Bidens pilosa, is generally considered to be a weed, it has been traditionally used around the world as a source of food and medicine. Soldiers serving in the Vietnam War adopted it as a vegetable, and it became known as “soldier vegetable.” In China and Southern Africa, it is used as medicine.
Name Story
Hairy beggarticks: Most plants from Bidens genus are called beggarticks, probably because of their prickly fruits attach to people or animals migrating like beggars. It is called Hairy beggarticks for its hard but short hair.
Get quick plant knowledge with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant identification and learn about its name, symbolism, interesting facts, uses, and more.
Download the App for Free

Weed Control

Hairy beggarticks is a widespread plant originating from South America. To gardeners, it is considered an aggressive weed due to a number of traits. Its reproductive capability is substantial, with one plant able to produce several thousand seeds. This weed can proliferate rapidly, quickly colonizing garden beds and turf. Hairy beggarticks is also a robust survivor, adapting to various climates and soil conditions, making it even more challenging to control. Not only does it compete with desirable plants for nutrients, water, and sunlight, but it may also host crop diseases, thus posing an indirect threat to other plants. The harm it causes to the look of a garden can be significant, overtaking ornamental plants and causing aesthetic damage. The primary method of hairy beggarticks spread is through seed dispersal, which happens both naturally and through human activity. Seeds can stick to clothing or fur and can also be transported by wind or water.
How to Control It
The optimal time for removal of hairy beggarticks is during the early spring or autumn seasons when the plant is in its flowering but pre-seeding phase. Preventing the plant from setting seed is crucial as this reduces the chances of spread. Here are a few methods of controlling hairy beggarticks:
  1. Manual Removal: One of the simplest methods to control hairy beggarticks is by physically removing them. Make sure to wear gloves. Grasp the plant close to the ground and gently pull upward to avoid breaking the root.
  2. Smothering: Cover the area where hairy beggarticks is growing with a thick layer of mulch. The mulch prevents sunlight from reaching the plant, ultimately causing it to die.
  3. Planting Cover Crops: Plant cover crops in areas infested with hairy beggarticks to outcompete the weed for resources. Select crops that grow tall, dense, and quickly, like ryegrass or buckwheat.
  4. Solarization: During the hottest part of summer, cover the hairy beggarticks infested area with clear plastic. The heat trapped under the plastic will kill hairy beggarticks and its seeds.
  5. Organic Herbicides: Use organic herbicides containing natural acids (vinegar, citric acid) and soaps. Spray it directly onto the hairy beggarticks to kill the weed without harming the environment.
Identify toxic plants in your garden
Find out what’s toxic and what’s safe for humans and pets.
Download the App for Free

Care Guide for Hairy beggarticks

Every week
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
20 - 38 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Water: Hairy beggarticks originates from tropical regions and prefers consistently moist environments. It requires weekly watering but can tolerate short dry spells. Grown outdoors, it benefits from rainwater during the growing season, which supports its growth and health.
Propagation: Hairy beggarticks propagates mainly through seeds sown in spring, with successful growth shown by young green shoots. Optimal soil, moisture, and sunlight are essential for effective germination and growth.
Get tips and tricks for your plants.
Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.
Download the App for Free
RELATED: How to Grow and Care for Hairy beggarticks
Plant disease auto-diagnose & prevention
AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.
Download the App for Free
close
close
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
ad
Botanist in your pocket
qrcode
PictureThis Ios DownloadPictureThis Android Download
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app