Ridge Beggartick: A Little-Known Annual with Big Questions
If you’ve stumbled across the name ridge beggartick in your gardening research, you might be wondering what exactly this plant is and whether it belongs in your garden. Let’s dive into what we know about Bidens gardneri and why you might want to consider some better-documented alternatives instead.
What is Ridge Beggartick?
Ridge beggartick (Bidens gardneri) is an annual plant that has found its way to Hawaii, where it now grows and reproduces without human intervention. While it belongs to the Bidens genus—a group that includes many well-known wildflowers—this particular species remains somewhat of a mystery in the gardening world.
Where Does It Grow?
Currently, Bidens gardneri is documented as growing in Hawaii, where it has established itself as a naturalized non-native species. This means it wasn’t originally from the islands but has adapted to life there and now reproduces on its own.
The Challenge with Ridge Beggartick
Here’s where things get tricky for gardeners: there’s surprisingly little reliable information available about Bidens gardneri’s specific growing requirements, appearance, or garden performance. This lack of documentation makes it difficult to recommend as a garden plant, especially when there are so many well-studied alternatives available.
Should You Plant Ridge Beggartick?
While ridge beggartick isn’t listed as invasive or problematic, the limited information about its characteristics and growing needs makes it a challenging choice for home gardeners. Without clear guidance on:
- Preferred growing conditions
- Mature size and appearance
- Care requirements
- Potential benefits to pollinators
- Compatibility with other garden plants
You’d essentially be experimenting in your garden—which might not give you the results you’re hoping for.
Better Alternatives to Consider
Instead of taking a chance on ridge beggartick, consider these well-documented native alternatives that offer similar annual growing habits:
- Native wildflowers specific to your region
- Other Bidens species that are well-studied and native to your area
- Annual flowers with documented pollinator benefits
- Local native plants recommended by your regional native plant society
The Bottom Line
While ridge beggartick isn’t necessarily a bad plant, the lack of available growing information makes it a less-than-ideal choice for most gardeners. Your time and garden space are valuable—why not invest them in plants with proven track records and clear benefits?
If you’re interested in supporting local ecosystems, focus on native species that are well-documented and known to thrive in your specific climate and soil conditions. Your local native plant society or extension office can point you toward excellent alternatives that will give you better results and support local wildlife more effectively.
Remember, successful gardening is often about choosing the right plant for the right place—and that’s much easier to do when you have solid information to work with!
