Three-lobe Beggarticks

Bidens tripartita L.

Description

1 to 3 stalked flower heads at the end of branching stems and arising from leaf axils. The flower center is broad, ½ to ¾ inch across, made up of tiny dull light yellow disk flowers with 4 or 5 lobes. Ray flowers (petals) are uncommon, though 1 to 5 rays, often short and stubby, may be observed. Inner bracts are relatively inconspicuous.

Leaves are 2 to 4 inches long, ¾ to 1½ inches wide, opposite, simple, narrow to broad lance-elliptic, usually toothed, sometimes untoothed, pointed at the tip, stalkess or tapering at the base to a (more or less) winged stalk. Occasionally a lower leaf may have one to a few lobes towards the base. Stems are erect and branched, green or yellow in color. Both stems and leaves usually smooth but may be finely hairy.