Bidens squarrosa: The Mysterious Native Plant That Leaves Gardeners Guessing
If you’ve stumbled across the name Bidens squarrosa in your plant research, you’re probably scratching your head right about now. Don’t worry – you’re not alone! This particular species is something of an enigma in the gardening world, and for good reason.
What We Know (And What We Don’t)
Bidens squarrosa belongs to the large and diverse Bidens genus, which includes many well-known species like beggar’s ticks and bur marigolds. However, when it comes to this specific species, reliable information is surprisingly scarce. Unlike its more famous cousins that grace wildflower meadows and rain gardens across North America, B. squarrosa remains largely undocumented in mainstream horticultural and botanical literature.
The Geographic Mystery
While many Bidens species have well-documented native ranges throughout North America, the specific geographic distribution of Bidens squarrosa remains unclear. This lack of clear distribution data makes it difficult for gardeners to determine whether this plant would be appropriate for their local ecosystem.
Should You Plant It?
Here’s where things get tricky. Without reliable information about this species’ growth habits, ecological impact, or even its true native status, it’s challenging to make gardening recommendations. The lack of documentation could indicate several possibilities:
- It may be an extremely rare species
- It could be a regional variant or synonym of another Bidens species
- The name might refer to a plant that’s not commonly cultivated
- It may have been misidentified or incorrectly catalogued
Better Alternatives for Your Garden
Instead of puzzling over this mysterious species, consider these well-documented and readily available Bidens alternatives that will definitely deliver results in your native garden:
- Bidens frondosa (Devil’s beggar’s tick) – Great for wildlife and easy to grow
- Bidens cernua (Nodding bur marigold) – Perfect for wet areas and pollinator gardens
- Bidens tripartita (Three-part beggar’s tick) – Excellent for naturalized areas
The Bottom Line
While the mystery surrounding Bidens squarrosa might intrigue plant enthusiasts, the lack of reliable growing information makes it impractical for most gardeners. Your time and garden space are better invested in well-documented native species that you can grow with confidence.
If you’re specifically interested in this species for research purposes, consider reaching out to botanical institutions or native plant societies who might have more specialized knowledge. Otherwise, stick with the many other beautiful and beneficial Bidens species that are proven performers in native gardens.
Sometimes the best gardening advice is knowing when to say I don’t know enough about this plant to recommend it – and Bidens squarrosa is definitely one of those cases!
