Spanish Needles
Bidens bipinnata
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Bidens bipinnata is a ANNUAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from September to October, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It is noted for attracting wildlife. 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): 1
Where it is found
Rocky woods, roadsides and waste places, often in sandy soils, Florida to Mexico, north to Massachusetts and New York.
E. Asia. Eastern N. America.
Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed.
Countries/locations it is found in
Native to Asia and North America, and naturalized elsewhere.
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Leaves and young shoots - cooked or used as a flavouring. Used as a vegetable. A tea is made from the flowering tops.
Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The root and seeds are popularly used as an emmenagogue and in the treatment of laryngeal and bronchial diseases. A tea made from the leaves is vermifuge. The leaves have been chewed as a treatment for sore throat. The plant juice is styptic and has been used as ear drops. An extract of the plant has bactericidal properties.
Antibacterial: Kills bacteria.
Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.
Styptic: An astringent that stops bleeding by contracting the blood vessels.
Vermifuge: Expels and kills internal parasites.
Other
Rating: 0
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
How it is grown
Succeeds in any moderately fertile moisture-retentive soil in full sun. A good bee plant.
Propagating it: Seed - sow mid to late spring in situ and only just cover the seed.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
This plant can be weedy or invasive. Possible weedy in Nebraska and the Great Plains, USA.
Its other names
Local names
Spanish needles.