BEGGARTICKS; ROMERILLO (Bidens alba)

WHAT FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT IS BLOOMING TODAY?: BEGGARTICKS; ROMERILLO (Bidens alba)

Also known as Spanish needles, these flowers are pollinator MAGNETs. While it can be aggressive, it is a great nectar source for bees, butterflies, Syrphid Flies, etc. Native anoles enjoy the attracted insects. Birds, especially cardinals and warblers spend time each day nibbling on seeds.
Because it is gathering the pollen on its abdomen, I believe the bee shown is a Carpenter-mimic Leafcutter Bee (Megachile spp.)

Native American Ethnobotany for this genus: http://naeb.brit.org/uses/search/?string=Bidens

Larval Host: Emerald Moths

Where does it grow in Florida? http://www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=3604

No flower in my garden performs better: http://web.archive.org/web/20110616214412/http://nativeplantwildlifegarden.com/what-two-native-plants-would-you-choose/

If you are concerned about the prolific seeds, give it a home in the back of your garden where the fauna can enjoy it but you wont have to worry about the seeds attaching to your clothes.

Another great article on these plants: http://www.floridata.com/tracks/transplantedgardener/beggarticks.cfm

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