Hairy beggarticks (Bidens pilosa)
Care, watering, light and tips for Hairy beggarticks on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Asteraceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 0–35 °C
About Hairy beggarticks
Bidens pilosa, commonly known as hairy beggarticks or blackjack, is an annual or perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It features small white flowers with a yellow center and compound leaves, growing wild in warm climates. It's ideal for low-maintenance gardens or for covering areas where spontaneous, resilient flowering is desired.
Native range
Tropical and subtropical America
Care tips
This plant is extremely adaptable and prefers full sun to partial shade, though it will tolerate a wide range of light conditions. Watering should be moderate, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, as it is quite drought-tolerant. It thrives in well-drained soils and is not demanding regarding nutrients; a common mistake to avoid is over-fertilization, which can be counterproductive.
How to save a dying Hairy beggarticks
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or wilting leaves, soft stems. May appear to dry out quickly.
- First aid
- Transplant to a sunnier spot if in deep shade. If potted, water only when soil is dry to touch, ensure good drainage. In ground, check for waterlogging.
- What kills it
- Overwatering and lack of light. It's a wild plant that doesn't tolerate soggy soil. Aggressive weeding also weakens it.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes! It's very resilient. With good drainage, sun, and controlled watering, it usually recovers. Its seeds also germinate easily.