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.

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.

Beggar-ticks

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Bidens pilosa

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Beggar-ticks (Bidens pilosa) 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

medium

Size

12"–40" H × 6"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

Native alternatives to Beggar-ticks

Beggar-ticks is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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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.
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.

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.

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Ready to grow Beggar-ticks? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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