Burr Marigold, Threelobe beggarticks

Bidens tripartita

Physical Characteristics

Bidens tripartita is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, hover-flies. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Distribution

Most of Europe, including Britain, north to 63°, east to W. Asia.

Habitats

Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Young leaves - cooked[105, 177, 183].

Medicinal Uses

Antiseptic Aperient Astringent Diuretic Emmenagogue Febrifuge Narcotic Sedative Styptic Burr marigold is little used as a medicine nowadays, but it was once esteemed for its styptic properties being used to quickly staunch blood flow - it was often used to treat uterine haemorrhage and conditions producing blood in the urine[254]. The whole plant is antiseptic, aperient, astringent, diuretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, narcotic, sedative, styptic and sudorific[4, 61, 165, 218]. It is an excellent remedy for ruptured blood vessels and bleeding of any kind, and is of benefit to people with consumption[4]. It is used internally to treat bladder and kidney problems, blood in the urine, uterine bleeding, ulcerative colitis and peptic ulcers[238, 254]. Externally, it is used in the treatment of alopecia[238]. It is usually combined with a carminative herb such as ginger when used to treat digestive tract ailments[254]. The plant is harvested as it comes into flower and is dried for later use[238].

Known Hazards

None known