Spanish-needles
Bidens bipinnata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, CT and 25 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Spanish-needles is a native annual wildflower that produces small yellow flowers from summer through fall. It has finely divided, feathery foliage and grows in an upright, branching form that can self-seed readily in favorable conditions.
In an HOA neighborhood
Spanish-needles 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.
- Has a weedy appearance and growth habit
- Self-seeds aggressively and can spread rapidly
- Common name includes 'needles' which sounds undesirable
Wildlife value
This plant attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles with its abundant small flowers. The seeds also provide food for songbirds in late fall and winter.
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.
Does Spanish-needles fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.