Illinois Native Plant Guide

Nodding Beggarsticks (Nodding Bur Marigold)
Bidens cernua

Preferred Water Depth and Inundation Tolerance

Prefers saturated soil. Species tolerates seasonally flooded conditions for short durations.

Wildlife Value

Provides wildlife cover. Waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds, and small mammals consume achenes.

Application/Zone

Used in upper shoreline zones and in vegetated swales. A good pioneer species.

Availability, Establishment, and Maintenance

• Plants and achenes are available from commercial vendors.
• Achenes should be broadcast on wet mudflats or shorelines and raked into the soil.
• Achenes require cold (34-36o F) moist stratification for several months before being exposed to warm temperatures for optimum germination.
• Achenes may be fall planted after drawdown on mudflats or shorelines to allow winter exposure. Drawdown in early summer will cause explosive growth from fall planted achenes.
• Early summer shallow flooding followed by drawdown promotes best seed production from established plants.

Nodding Beggarsticks (Nodding Bur Marigold)
Bidens cernua

Mature Height
4 inches - 3.3 feet

Plant Type
Annual emergent herb

Indicator Status
Obligate

pH
Not available

Nutrient Load Tolerance
Moderate

Salt Tolerance
Low to moderate

Siltation Tolerance
Moderate to high

Flowering Color and Time
Yellow
August to October

Light Preference
Partial to full sun

Seeding Rate
.25 - .5 lbs/acre

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