Bidens biternata
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Bidens biternata is a ANNUAL. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, hover-flies. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0
Where it is found
Wasteland, amongst scrub, it is also an occasional weed of cultivated land, 1700 - 1900 metres in Kashmir. Wet places and roadsides, C. and S. Japan.
E. Asia - Himalayas.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
One report says that the plant has medicinal uses but gives no more details.
Miscellany: Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.
Other
Rating:
Miscellany: A rag-bag of items that are difficult to categorise.
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. We are not even sure if it is an annual or perennial. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in any moderately fertile moisture-retentive soil in full sun.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but, assuming it to be perennial, suggest sowing the seed in a greenhouse in the spring. Surface-sow or only just cover the seed and do not allow the compost to dry out. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. If the plant is an annual then a mid-spring sowing in situ is best. Division in spring.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist