Bidens coronata, also known as crowned beggarticks or crowned bur-marigold, is a flowering plant species that belongs to the family Asteraceae. This herbaceous annual is native to North America and is commonly found throughout the United States and southern Canada. The term "bidens" is derived from the Latin word for "two teeth," which refers to the plant's characteristic hooked bristles that can become attached to fur or clothing.
Crowned beggarticks typically grows in moist and sunny habitats such as marshes, wet meadows, and along the edges of streams and ponds. It often forms dense stands and can reach heights of up to two meters. The plant has a branching stem with opposite, toothed leaves. The foliage is bright green and has a hairy texture.
The flowers of bidens coronata are small and yellow, consisting of ray florets and disk florets, arranged in flat-topped clusters. These flowers bloom from summer to fall, attracting various pollinators, including bees and butterflies. After pollination, the plant produces small, triangular seeds with barbed awns that aid in their dispersal.
Bidens coronata is not only valued for its ornamental qualities but also for its ecological significance. It provides food and habitat for a variety of wildlife, including birds and insects. Additionally, it plays a role in preventing erosion along water bodies. However, it can also be considered invasive in some regions, as it can spread rapidly and outcompete native vegetation.
