When does Bidens aristosa bloom?

Bidens aristosa blooms from July through October, producing clusters of golden yellow flower heads on branching stems.

What growing conditions does Bidens aristosa need?

This forb does best in full sun to part sun with medium to consistently moist soil. It is often found along roadside ditches, wet meadows, and low-lying fields.

What pollinators visit Bidens aristosa flowers?

Bees, butterflies, and beetles regularly visit the flowers for nectar and pollen, making it a useful late season food source in wet or seasonally moist habitats.

Is Bidens aristosa an annual or perennial plant?

It is typically grown as an annual forb, completing its life cycle in one growing season and reseeding readily in favorable moist, sunny sites.

Is Swamp Marigold toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Swamp Marigold as toxic to livestock.

Is Swamp Marigold HOA-friendly?

Swamp Marigold is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Swamp Marigold

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Bidens aristosa

Last reviewed: October 2026

Bidens aristosa is a fast growing forb with bright yellow flowers that bloom from July through October. It thrives in sunny, moist sites such as ditches, wet meadows, and floodplain edges.

Toxicity unknown

Swamp Marigold (Bidens aristosa) 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.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Swamp Marigold as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

high

Size

24"–60" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Native to

AL, AR, IL, IN and 12 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Piedmont Western Corn Belt Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains

Tickseed-sunflower produces bright yellow daisy-like flowers from summer through fall on sturdy stems reaching 2-4 feet tall. This annual wildflower readily self-seeds and creates cheerful displays in sunny locations with average moisture. The flowers are excellent for cutting and the plant maintains good form throughout its growing season.

Growing Swamp Marigold

Grow Swamp Marigold in part sun and high water. Mature plants reach 24 to 60 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Swamp Marigold is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: backyard only.

May self-seed aggressively
Annual nature requires yearly replanting or can create gaps

Wildlife value

Host plant for silvery checkerspot butterfly.

Attracts a diverse array of pollinators including native bees, butterflies, and beneficial beetles throughout its long blooming period. Seeds provide food for goldfinches and other songbirds in fall.

Common questions

When does Bidens aristosa bloom?: Bidens aristosa blooms from July through October, producing clusters of golden yellow flower heads on branching stems.
What growing conditions does Bidens aristosa need?: This forb does best in full sun to part sun with medium to consistently moist soil. It is often found along roadside ditches, wet meadows, and low-lying fields.
What pollinators visit Bidens aristosa flowers?: Bees, butterflies, and beetles regularly visit the flowers for nectar and pollen, making it a useful late season food source in wet or seasonally moist habitats.
Is Bidens aristosa an annual or perennial plant?: It is typically grown as an annual forb, completing its life cycle in one growing season and reseeding readily in favorable moist, sunny sites.
Is Swamp Marigold toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Swamp Marigold as toxic to livestock.
Is Swamp Marigold HOA-friendly?: Swamp Marigold is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

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.

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Common plant problems, and what to check first

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