Bidens tripartita
Bidens tripartita is a common and widespread species of flowering plant in the sunflower family, Asteraceae, commonly known as three-lobe beggarticks, three-part beggarticks, leafy-bracted beggarticks or trifid bur-marigold. It is native to much of Eurasia, North Africa, and North America, with naturalized populations in Australia and on some Pacific Islands.
Bidens tripartita is native to much of Eurasia, North Africa, and North America, with naturalized populations in Australia and on some Pacific Islands. Bidens tripartita is considered relatively rare in southwestern British Columbia and was likely introduced from eastern North America and Europe.
Morphology
Bidens tripartita is an annual species with rigid stems and fibrous roots, with a typical habit measuring 20-100 centimeters tall. Leaves are often deeply lobed. Flower heads are discoid and lacking ray flowers. Fruits are achenes.
Subspecies and varieties
Bidens tripartita subsp. bullatus Rouy Bidens tripartita var. repens Sherff Bidens tripartita subsp. tripartita Bidens tripartita var. ''tripartita''
Uses
Medicinal
Although rarely used for medicinal purposes nowadays, it was once highly esteemed for being effective at staunching blood flow and as a remedy for bleeding, specifically one caused by ruptured blood vessels, but also extending to uterine bleeding and conditions that lead to hematuria.The species is also known for its styptic, astringent, antiseptic, aperient and diaphoretic effects on the human body. Remedies containing the herb usually take form of tinctures and infusions.
Other
The dried herb, specifically the dried flower heads, of Bidens tripartita can be burnt to release a cedar-like smell that may be used for an incense against insects.