Romerillo (Bidens alba): The Persistent Wildflower You Might Already Know
If you’ve ever noticed small, white daisy-like flowers popping up in vacant lots, roadsides, or even your own garden without invitation, you’ve likely met romerillo. This scrappy little annual has a knack for showing up where you least expect it, and while it might not win any beauty contests, it’s got some interesting qualities worth knowing about.
What Exactly Is Romerillo?
Romerillo, scientifically known as Bidens alba, is an annual flowering plant that belongs to the sunflower family. It’s one of those plants that gardeners have mixed feelings about – some see it as a persistent weed, while others appreciate its no-fuss attitude and pollinator-friendly flowers.
Where Does It Call Home?
The native status of romerillo is a bit complicated, which isn’t unusual for plants that have traveled extensively. It’s native to parts of the southern United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Navassa Island. However, it has naturalized (meaning it reproduces on its own) in many other places including Hawaii and various Pacific islands.
You can currently find romerillo growing in Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and several U.S. territories including Guam, Palau, and Puerto Rico.
What Does It Look Like?
Romerillo produces small white flowers with bright yellow centers that look like tiny daisies. The flowers are about half an inch across and appear in clusters at the ends of branching stems. The plant itself can vary in size depending on growing conditions, but it typically forms a somewhat sprawling, bushy shape. Don’t expect it to win any awards for garden glamour – this is definitely a function over form kind of plant.
Should You Plant Romerillo in Your Garden?
Here’s where things get interesting. Romerillo is one of those plants that’s more likely to plant itself than wait for you to make the decision. It’s quite the self-seeder and can spread readily once established.
The Pros:
- Extremely low-maintenance once established
- Provides nectar for small pollinators like flies and tiny bees
- Adaptable to various growing conditions
- Annual lifecycle means it won’t become permanently established like perennials
The Cons:
- Can be quite aggressive in spreading
- Seeds readily and may appear where you don’t want it
- Not particularly ornamental compared to other flowering options
- May compete with more desirable plants
Growing Conditions and Care
If romerillo does show up in your garden (and it very well might), you’ll find it’s remarkably unfussy. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 8-11 and adapts to a wide range of conditions. It can handle full sun to partial shade and isn’t particularly picky about soil type, though it does prefer areas with decent drainage.
The plant requires minimal care – perhaps too minimal for some gardeners’ liking. It’s drought-tolerant once established and doesn’t need fertilization. In fact, the biggest care you might need to provide is managing its spread if it gets too enthusiastic.
Better Native Alternatives
If you’re looking for native plants with similar low-maintenance qualities but more garden-worthy appearances, consider these alternatives depending on your region:
- Native asters for similar small, daisy-like flowers
- Local native sunflowers for larger blooms
- Regional wildflowers that provide better wildlife habitat
- Native sedums for low-maintenance ground cover
The Bottom Line
Romerillo is one of those plants that exists in the gray area between wildflower and weed. While it does provide some pollinator benefits and requires zero effort to grow, it’s not typically something you’d deliberately add to a carefully planned garden design. If it shows up on its own, you can appreciate its persistence and small ecological contributions, but don’t feel bad about managing its spread to make room for more desirable native plants that will provide better benefits for local wildlife and more beauty for your garden.
Remember, the best gardens are those filled with plants that truly belong in your local ecosystem – and there are likely much better native options waiting to discover in your area!
