Native Plants

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

rate this answer

Friday - November 20, 2015
From: Chappell Hill, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Plant Identification, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Identification of Bidens aristosa (Tickseed sunflower) in Texas
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I think the ID of the plant I submitted a description of yesterday is Tickseed Sunflower (Bidens aristosa). Thanks.ANSWER:
Unfortunately, for some reason, we did not receive your description of a plant, but it is certainly possible that the plant you described was Bidens aristosa (Bearded beggarticks or Tickseed sunflower) since it has been reported as occurring in Burleson, Robertson, Grimes, Waller, Harris and Austin Counties surrounding Washington County (see the USDA Plants Database distribution map).
Other species of Bidens also occur near Washington County. They are:
Bidens bipinnata (Spanish needles), occurs in counties near and adjacent to Washington County also (see USDA Plants Database distribution map), Here are photographs and more information from Missouri Plants.
Bidens discoidea (Small beggarticks) (see USDA Plants Database distribution map,
Bidens frondosa (Devil's beggartick) (see the USDA Plants Database distribution map and
Bidens laevis (Smooth beggartick) (see the USDA Plants Database distribution map.
From the Image Gallery
More Herbs/Forbs Questions
Competition between Horseherb and Chickweed
July 04, 2014 - Ok, sorry I did it wrong the 1st time!? I live in Houston, and I have chickens! I also have mass amounts of Horseherb, and I want to buy some chickweed seeds and plant it for my chickens! My question ...
view the full question and answer
Plants to grow between patio pavers
March 15, 2013 - We'd like to use poured concrete pavers for a deck. What grows well, whether it be grass or other, between these. We'll have 4-6" between 4 foot pavers. And would love to find something that does...
view the full question and answer
Landscaping in the Southern California desert.
October 16, 2007 - We are located in southern California in Lake Havasu. I'm trying to landscape sloping areas. I have arrow weeds (Pluchea sericea) and want to get rid of them permanently. How can I achieve this or...
view the full question and answer
Butterfly and Pollinator Plants for Indianapolis Garden
June 23, 2015 - I live in Indianapolis, IN and would like to have a native garden. I'd be especially interested in plants that help butterflies and bumble bees. There's a fairly dry area on the west side of the hou...
view the full question and answer
Red sister Cordyline problems in Brownsville TX
July 27, 2010 - I bought a Red Sister Cordyline plant but once the leaves grow they dry from the ends.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |