Photo: Mason Brock ( Masebrock )Public domainvia Wikimedia Commons
Western Tickseed Plant Care
Bidens polylepis S.F.Blake
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Bidens polylepis is characterized by its delicate, fern-like foliage that forms dense mats. Originating from the highlands of Ecuador, this plant attracts collectors with its unique texture and ability to thrive in cooler temperatures.
Every 3–5 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Western Tickseed?
Water Western Tickseed every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Western Tickseed Native To?
What Is the Western Tickseed?
Western Tickseed (Bidens polylepis) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Bidens genus. Western Tickseed is native to south-central Canada (Ontario) and to the eastern and central United States. Western Tickseed is also known as Bur Marigold, Bidens aristosa, Bidens involucrata.
Western Tickseed displays an upright, branching annual growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Western Tickseed produces small, daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, orange, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Western Tickseed?
Bidens polylepis requires watering every 3–5 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Western Tickseed Need?
Western Tickseed thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Western Tickseed Prefer?
Bidens polylepis grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Western Tickseed prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Western Tickseed?
Well-draining soil with high organic content, such as loam or sandy loam. Good drainage is essential for Western Tickseed to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Western Tickseed?
Feed Western Tickseed every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Western Tickseed?
Annually in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Western Tickseed?
Western Tickseed can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to spanish needles plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Western Tickseed Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Western Tickseed, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Western Tickseed?
Western Tickseed is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Western Tickseed Need?
Western Tickseed grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. Western Tickseed is native to south-central Canada (Ontario) and to the eastern and central United States.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Western Tickseed is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Bidens genus — compare its care with other Bidens species on PlantoScan.
Bidens is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Western Tickseed thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Bidens Species
Other Bidens species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Bidens polylepis S.F.Blake, family Asteraceae (first published in Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington 35: 78 (1922)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Western Tickseed, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Mason Brock ( Masebrock ), Public domain, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 3a – 9b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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