Argentinian biddy-biddy
Acaena pinnatifida
Last reviewed: November 2026
Argentinian biddy-biddy (Acaena pinnatifida) is a perennial forb native to CA. It blooms in May, June, and July.
Watering reminders and freeze alerts for Argentinian biddy-biddy, free in the app.
Toxicity unknown
Argentinian biddy-biddy (Acaena pinnatifida) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
2"–6" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CA
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 461 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
Low mat-forming groundcover with finely divided, fern-like leaves and small reddish, spiny bur fruits that cling to fur and clothing. Found on coastal bluffs and grassy slopes.
Growing Argentinian biddy-biddy
Grow Argentinian biddy-biddy in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 2 to 6 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Dense mat provides ground-level cover for small insects; inconspicuous flowers offer minor pollen resources.
Common questions
- How much sun does Argentinian biddy-biddy need?
- Argentinian biddy-biddy grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Argentinian biddy-biddy bloom?
- Argentinian biddy-biddy blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Argentinian biddy-biddy native?
- Argentinian biddy-biddy (Acaena pinnatifida) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Argentinian biddy-biddy? Add it to your garden in the Pollinator Patch App to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.