Cobbler's pegs

Bidens pilosa, commonly known as beggarticks, Spanish needle, or black-jack, is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. Native to North and South America, this plant has become widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Here's an informative description of Bidens pilosa:

1. Morphology:

• Growth Form: Beggarticks is a weedy, herbaceous plant that can grow erect or sprawl, reaching heights of up to 3 feet (1 meter).
• Leaves: The opposite leaves are pinnately divided into multiple toothed leaflets. The leaves are often hairy.
• Stems: The stems are green, often angled, and may have fine hairs.

2. Flowers:

• Inflorescence: Beggarticks produces small flower heads arranged in loose clusters.
• Flower Characteristics: The flower heads have a central disc surrounded by ray florets. The color of the flowers can vary, but they are often yellow.

3. Fruits:

• Fruit Type: The fruit is a small, oblong achene with two barbed awns or bristles that can attach to clothing or fur, aiding in seed dispersal.

4. Habitat and Distribution:

• Habitat: Beggarticks thrives in a variety of habitats, including disturbed areas, fields, roadsides, and waste places.
• Global Distribution: It has a wide distribution in tropical and subtropical regions and is considered invasive in some areas.

5. Reproduction:

• Seed Production: Beggarticks is prolific in seed production, and the seeds are dispersed by attaching to passing animals, humans, or clothing.

6. Weed and Ecological Impact:

• Weed Status: It is often considered a weed in agricultural settings, as it can compete with crops for resources.
• Ecological Impact: In some regions, Bidens pilosa can negatively impact native plant communities by forming dense stands.

7. Medicinal Uses:

• Traditional Medicine: In various traditional medicine systems, different parts of Bidens pilosa have been used for treating ailments such as colds, digestive issues, and skin conditions.
• Phytochemicals: The plant contains various phytochemicals, and some studies have investigated its potential medicinal properties.