Species Purple Stem Swamp Beggar Ticks
yellow buds with green leaves and lime-green stems

Purple Stem Swamp Beggar Ticks

Bidens connata

The Purple Stem Swamp Beggar Ticks (Bidens connata) are a species of wildflower with hollow, purple stems and small, white flowers. The petals of the flowers have prominent yellow stigmas, which attract pollinators such as bees, wasps and butterflies. These plants are fairly common in swampy environments, and can even handle being submerged in water for extended periods of time. These flowers are part of the daisy family and are beloved by those who frequent wetlands and other moist areas. The seeds of the Purple Stem Swamp Beggar Ticks are especially appealing to birds, which helps to disperse them in a wide variety of habitats.

Watering:

Minimal

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

watering

Spanish Needles prefer moist soils, but they are surprisingly drought tolerant once established. Water the plant at least twice a week during its first growing season. Make sure to water the soil until it’s fully moist. As plants become established, they will need less frequent watering. It’s important to make sure the soil never dries out completely. During summer, Spanish Needles should be watered once every week or 2. In winter, the plants should be watered on an as-needed basis.

sunlight

Spanish Needles (Bidens bipinnata) should ideally receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day in order to thrive. If grown in a shaded area, it will not grow as large, have as many flowers, or have as much foliage. Too much direct sunlight, especially during the heat of the day, can cause the plant to become dry and will cause its leaves to yellow and drop off. It is best to keep this plant in a spot that has morning sun, but is shaded in the late afternoon.

pruning

Spanish Needles should be pruned when they start to look overgrown or before they start to set flowers, typically in mid-spring. Prune the plant back to about 1-third of its size by cutting back stems that have become leggy or woody. Remove all dead or damaged branches. Pruning will help keep Spanish Needles looking tidy and promote new growth.

⚠️ Perenual and its members cannot be held liable for any health issues that may arise from the information provided on the website or from using any of the plants found on the site. The information provided is intended to be used as general guidelines only.