Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
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 is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
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
Petunias pollinated by clematis from Logansport IN
July 11, 2012 - Can petunias be pollinated by clematis? I have 2 petunias that have split blooms and look like a small clematis flower. They are growing close to a jackamani clematis.
view the full question and answer
Groundcovers for Shade Under a Sweetgum
March 25, 2015 - I have 3 large sweetgum trees that produce so much shade each summer, and grass, even grass meant for shade, won't grow here. It's become a barren desert! I have English ivy but it only seems to gro...
view the full question and answer
Source for Frostweed plants or seeds from Portland TX
June 23, 2013 - I am looking for somewhere I can buy Frostweed plants or seeds. I live in Portland, TX, but frequent San Antonio and the Hill Country. Can you help me with this?
view the full question and answer
Stopping erosion on bank of a Florida retention pond
July 21, 2015 - I live on a retention pond, which has had all vegetation killed by the lake doctor. As a result the bank has eroded so there is a drop off directly to the water rather than a sloping bank. What plan...
view the full question and answer
Can bluebonnet pods be gathered when green in Lockhart, TX
May 02, 2015 - Can bluebonnet seed pods be gathered when green? Will the seed be capable of germinating next season?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |