Spanish Needles (Bidens bipinnata)

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Bidens bipinnata is a ANNUAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from September to October, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It is noted for attracting wildlife. 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 soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring. — Leaves and young shoots - cooked or used as a flavouring.; Used as a vegetable.; A tea is made from the flowering tops.

Habitat & North American Range

Rocky woods, roadsides and waste places, often in sandy soils, Florida to Mexico, north to Massachusetts and New York. (Zone 4)