Bidens parviflora
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Bidens parviflora is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower in September, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. 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): 0.6
Where it is found
Coastal and riverside precipices and rocks, sandy banks, rocky outcrops. Sometimes found as ruderales by stony fences, walls etc.
E. Asia - China, S. Japan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Young plants - cooked.
Medicine
Rating: 1
Antidote, stings, vulnerary.
Antidote: Counters poisoning.
Stings: Used in the treatment of stings and insect bites.
Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will succeed outdoors in Britain, though it should be possible to grow it as a spring-sown annual. 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 - sow early spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in May. Alternatively, a sowing in situ in mid to late spring can be tried.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist