Autumn Bur-marigold (Bidens trichosperma)

Photo: Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA NRCS. 1995. Northeast wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species. Northeast National Technical Center, Chester. Courtesy of USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute.Public domainvia Wikimedia Commons

Autumn Bur-marigold Plant Care

Bidens trichosperma Britton

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This plant is known for its delicate, fern-like leaves that give it a unique appearance. Originating from North America, Bidens trichosperma is desirable to plant collectors for its dainty yellow flowers that bloom in late summer and fall, attracting pollinators to the garden.

🌱Herbs🌼Perennials🌻Annuals
Water

Every 3–5 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

60–80°F

Humidity

40–60%

At a glance

How do you care for Autumn Bur-marigold?

Water Autumn Bur-marigold 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 Autumn Bur-marigold Native To?

Native range2 countries

What Is the Autumn Bur-marigold?

Autumn Bur-marigold (Bidens trichosperma) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Bidens genus. Autumn Bur-marigold is native to central Canada and to the eastern and north-central United States. Autumn Bur-marigold is also known as Swamp Beggarticks, Bur Marigold, Coreopsis trichosperma.

Autumn Bur-marigold displays an upright, branching annual growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Autumn Bur-marigold produces small, daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, orange, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Autumn Bur-marigold?

Bidens trichosperma 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 Autumn Bur-marigold Need?

Autumn Bur-marigold thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Autumn Bur-marigold Prefer?

Bidens trichosperma grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Autumn Bur-marigold prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Temperature

60–80°F

Humidity

40–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Autumn Bur-marigold?

Well-draining soil with high organic content, such as loam or sandy loam. Good drainage is essential for Autumn Bur-marigold to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Autumn Bur-marigold?

Feed Autumn Bur-marigold 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 Autumn Bur-marigold?

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 Autumn Bur-marigold?

Autumn Bur-marigold can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to spanish needles plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Autumn Bur-marigold Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Autumn Bur-marigold, 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 Autumn Bur-marigold?

Autumn Bur-marigold 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 Autumn Bur-marigold Need?

Autumn Bur-marigold grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. Autumn Bur-marigold is native to central Canada and to the eastern and north-central United States.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 3a – 9b

Keep exploring plants

Autumn Bur-marigold 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.

Autumn Bur-marigold 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 trichosperma Britton, family Asteraceae (first published in Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 20(7): 281 (1893)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Autumn Bur-marigold, 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: Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA NRCS. 1995. Northeast wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species. Northeast National Technical Center, Chester. Courtesy of USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute., 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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