Beggar-ticks
Bidens pilosa
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–40" H × 6"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Native to
GA, TX
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Beggar-ticks is a fast-growing annual wildflower with small white daisy-like blooms that appear from summer through fall. The plant produces sticky seeds that attach to clothing and fur, giving it its common name. It thrives in sunny locations and provides consistent nectar throughout its long blooming season.
In an HOA neighborhood
Beggar-ticks takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Seeds stick aggressively to clothing and pets
- Can spread rapidly and appear weedy
- Informal wildflower appearance may look unkempt
Wildlife value
This plant is an excellent pollinator magnet, attracting bees, butterflies, and beetles with its abundant small flowers. The seeds also provide food for birds, though the sticky nature helps with seed dispersal.
Common questions
- How much sun does Beggar-ticks need?
- Beggar-ticks grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Beggar-ticks bloom?
- Beggar-ticks blooms in June, July, August, September, and October.
- Where is Beggar-ticks native?
- Beggar-ticks (Bidens pilosa) is native to GA, TX, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Beggar-ticks attract?
- Beggar-ticks draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.
- Is Beggar-ticks HOA-friendly?
- Beggar-ticks takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Beggar-ticks? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz