Devil’s Beggarticks belongs to the Bidens genus, a widespread group of annual herbs in the sunflower family (Asteraceae). This prolific native species is often found throughout North America, frequently inhabiting disturbed areas, fields, and wetlands. Other regional names include Sticktights, Spanish Needles, and Pitchfork Weed, all referencing its distinctive seed dispersal method. Understanding the safety and potential hazards of this common plant is important for hikers, gardeners, and pet owners.
Identifying the Plant
Devil’s Beggarticks, typically Bidens frondosa, is identified by its opposite, pinnately divided leaves, which are arranged into three to five lance-shaped leaflets with sharply toothed edges. The plant generally grows upright, reaching a height of one to four feet, often featuring a purplish or reddish tinge on its stems, particularly in the lower sections. It favors moist soil, commonly appearing in ditches, near pond edges, and in low woods where water collects.
The flowers themselves are often small and inconspicuous, lacking the large, showy petals (ray florets) seen in many other daisies and sunflowers. Instead, the plant displays a cluster of tiny, yellowish-brown disk florets surrounded by prominent, leafy green bracts that extend beyond the flower head. The most recognizable feature is the fruit, a dark, flat seed known as an achene, which develops after the small flowers mature.
Each achene is armed with two sharp, barbed spines or awns, which are the source of the common name “beggarticks.” These barbs function as a highly effective seed dispersal mechanism. They readily cling to clothing, animal fur, and feathers, ensuring the plant’s wide geographic spread.
Toxicity Status for Humans and Pets
The primary concern is whether Devil’s Beggarticks contains toxic chemical compounds that pose a threat if consumed. Scientific analysis of the Bidens genus, including Bidens frondosa and Bidens pilosa, indicates a non-toxic status for humans and common household pets like dogs and cats. The plant does not produce potent alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, or other major poisonous substances.
Safety studies focusing on extracts of related Bidens species have shown extremely low acute toxicity levels in animal models, suggesting a wide margin of safety. While non-toxic, ingesting excessive amounts of any plant material can potentially cause minor, temporary gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea.
While considered safe for humans and household pets, historical reports suggest minor toxicity to certain livestock when consumed in very large quantities. However, for typical domestic exposure, the plant lacks the chemical components necessary to be classified as a toxic hazard.
Traditional Uses and Edibility
Despite its reputation as a nuisance weed, certain parts of the Bidens genus have a long history of use in various folk traditions. The young leaves and shoots are considered edible, often consumed as a potherb or cooked green. Preparation is necessary because raw leaves can contain saponins and bitter compounds, which are largely neutralized by boiling.
The plant is used in teas and herbal remedies, particularly in traditional medicine systems across Africa and Asia. These uses frequently focus on the plant’s rich content of flavonoids and polyacetylenes, compounds studied for their potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The plant has been applied historically to address a wide range of issues, including wound care, digestive complaints, and inflammatory conditions.
Physical Irritants and Hazards
The most significant hazard associated with Devil’s Beggarticks is not chemical but mechanical, stemming from the barbed achene seeds. These small, two-pronged burrs are highly irritating when embedded in clothing, socks, or the dense fur of pets. The physical annoyance and difficulty of removal are the main complaints regarding this plant.
Direct skin contact with the plant’s foliage may cause mild contact dermatitis or skin irritation in individuals with sensitive skin, though this reaction is uncommon and minor. Care should be taken to prevent the dry, sharp seeds from entering the eyes or being swallowed whole, as the pointed structures could cause minor discomfort.