Asteraceae

Bidens pilosa

Common Names: Cobbler’s peg.

Plant Form: Erect annual herb. Size: Up to 1.8 m tall. Stem: Square shaped in cross section, mostly hairless, green to purplish. Leaves: Oppositely arranged in variable shape from oval to compound of 3-7 leaflets. Have toothed edges. Flowers: Compound of numerous yellow tubular flowers in a small head 5-15 mm across. Sometimes have white petals around the flowerhead. Fruit and Seeds: Dark brown or black seeds which are elongated and have barbed awns which are easily caught in clothing. Habitat: Roadsides, grasslands, shrublands, riparian areas, coastal scrub, disturbed areas. Distinguishing Features: Distinguished from other Beggarticks (Bidens species) by elongated burr-like fruits which stick in clothing.