Bidens alba, commonly known as shepherd’s needles, Spanish needles, or beggarticks, is a wildflower you’ve probably seen growing along roadsides, in empty lots, or popping up in your garden. With small white petals surrounding bright yellow centers, it might seem like just another weed. But Bidens alba plays a much bigger role in our ecosystem — and in some traditional healing practices — than many people realize.
 

BIDENS ATTRACTS POLLIATORS

One of the most important things to know about Bidens alba is that bees and other pollinators love it. These flowers are a powerhouse source of nectar and pollen, blooming prolifically for much of the year in warm climates. Native bees, honeybees, and butterflies all flock to Bidens alba, making it one of the best native wildflowers for supporting pollinators.

If you're gardening with pollinators in mind, allowing this plant to thrive — even just in a corner of your yard or garden border — can create a valuable food source during times when other flowers aren’t blooming. In fact, studies show that Bidens alba ranks among the top nectar-producing wildflowers in parts of the southeastern U.S.
 

MEDICINAL BENEFITS

Bidens alba is more than just a favorite for bees—it has a rich history in traditional medicine across the Americas, Africa, and Asia. For centuries, it has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including wounds, digestive disorders, sore throats, and inflammation. Its medicinal benefits are backed by notable properties such as:

The tender young leaves of Bidens alba are not only edible but also surprisingly nutritious. Though slightly bitter, they can be enjoyed raw in salads or cooked like traditional leafy greens. Nutritionally, they rival popular options like kale, offering a rich profile of calcium, iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C. For gardeners and foragers alike, this wild green is a hidden gem worth embracing.

That said, correctly identifying Bidens plants is crucial. With hundreds of species worldwide that look alike, Bidens alba stands out as the most notable among herbalists. If you're foraging or using it for medicinal purposes, make sure you've identified the species accurately to avoid mistakes or misuses.

WHY PEOPLE HATE IT

Bidens alba has a mixed reputation. Gardeners focused on a manicured lawn and well-maintained landscapes, it’s often seen as an unwelcome intruder—and with good reason. This fast-growing plant spreads its seeds, known as "beggarticks," by sticking to clothing, fur, or anything that brushes past it.

It thrives in disturbed soils and tough conditions, quickly taking root and outcompeting more delicate ornamental plants. While its resilience and adaptability can be seen as strengths, it’s often viewed as a stubborn nuisance by those trying to keep their gardens weed-free or their lawns spotless. 

A SHIFT IN PERSPECTIVE
Some see Bidens alba as an annoying weed, but others recognize it as a valuable ally — supporting pollinators, enriching soil, thriving in tough conditions, and offering food and medicine. Instead of treating it as a nuisance, we can learn to work with it.

Leave a patch. Let it grow. Make room for it. By doing this, you’re helping to support biodiversity and contribute to healing the environment—one small but impactful step at a time.

 

FINAL THOUGHTS

Bidens alba is a great example of how we define “weeds.” Some see it as an eyesore, while others value it as a pollinator-friendly plant, a medicinal herb, and a low-maintenance addition to the landscape. It’s also effective at decontaminating soil, but this means you should only harvest it from clean, uncontaminated areas if you plan to eat or use it medicinally.

Appreciate what Bidens alba brings to our gardens. Maybe the issue isn’t the plant itself—maybe it’s how we’ve been looking at it.

Live regeneratively, and let’s grow together!