Bidens alba

(Shepherd’s Needles, Spanish Needles)

FAMILY

Asteraceae

Species

Bidens alba

Common name(s)

Shepherd’s Needles, Spanish Needles

Flower colour; life form

Ray florets white. Erect herb to 1.2 m.

Distinguishing features

Upper foliage leaves are compound with 3-9 toothed oval leaflets, hairy on lower surface. Flower heads to 2.5 cm diameter, rays white 10-16 mm long. Disk florets yellow. Pappus of 2 awns 1-2 mm long, achenes black.

Bidens alba