Bidens mitis
USDA, NRCS. 2018. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 28 March 2018). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.
Illustration: USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / USDA NRCS. Wetland flora: Field office illustrated guide to plant species. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
What is Smallfruit Beggartick?
Physical Characteristics
- 1-3.25 feet tall
Leaves:
- Leaf stalks 1.5-4.5 inches long
- Egg or sword shaped
- Toothed along edges
Flowers:
- .78-2 inches wide
- Linear
- 0.2-0.39 inches long
- Golden-yellow in color
Fruit:
- One seeded
- Does not open to release seed when ripe
- Flattish
- Black in color
- 0.09-0.17 inches long
Where Does it Grow?
Smallfruit beggartick can be found in wet, moist places, especially brackish or fresh swamps.
Pros and Cons of Smallfruit Beggartick
Submerged portions of all aquatic plants provide habitats for many micro and macro invertebrates. These invertebrates in turn are used as food by fish and other wildlife species (e.g. amphibians, reptiles, ducks, etc.). After aquatic plants die, their decomposition by bacteria and fungi provides food (called “detritus”) for many aquatic invertebrates.