romerillo

Bidens alba (L.) DC.

In Florida, the Native Plant Society describes an annual herb about one to three feet tall and wide. It readily reseeds and can persist as a weedy garden presence, especially in informal wildflower plantings. Florida Native Plant Society: Bidens alba

Botanical name

The cited authority recognizes Bidens alba (L.) DC. as a species. Kew POWO: Bidens alba

Recognizing the plant

The heads have white ray florets around a yellow disc. Later, dark fruits develop barbs that catch on clothing or animal fur. This clinging stage gives beggarticks its familiar name and carries the fruits away from the parent plant. Florida Native Plant Society: Bidens alba

Bloom window

Florida

The Florida Native Plant Society records flowering throughout the year in Florida, where successive flower heads can make this annual a long-lasting insect resource. Florida Native Plant Society: Bidens alba

Native range

Kew recognizes it as an annual native to the Americas, with introductions far beyond that range. FNPS records sandy substrates and tolerance of conditions ranging from moist ground to extended dry periods, although salty flooding is poorly tolerated. Kew POWO: Bidens alba Florida Native Plant Society: Bidens alba

Ecological relationships

In Florida, the Native Plant Society records native bees and butterflies visiting Bidens alba. Florida Native Plant Society: Bidens alba

The Florida Native Plant Society identifies Bidens alba as a larval host for the dainty sulphur butterfly, Nathalis iole. Florida Native Plant Society: Bidens alba

Botanical sources

Reviewed 2026-10-11. Seasonal development varies with location and growing conditions.