Bidens cernua, commonly known as Nodding Bur-Marigold, is a native annual wildflower found in wetlands, streambanks, and along the edges of ponds throughout Illinois. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and prefers full sun to partial shade.
This plant features long, slender stems with opposite, lance-shaped leaves. In late summer to fall, it produces nodding clusters of bright yellow, daisy-like flowers with dark centers. The flowers are attractive to a wide range of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Bidens cernua can grow to a height of 0.5 to 3 feet and often has a slightly sprawling or upright form.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Bidens cernua is an excellent choice for wetland restorations, rain gardens, or along pond edges, where its bright yellow flowers provide vibrant color in the late summer and fall. The plant also attracts pollinators and provides ecological benefits by supporting local wildlife. It is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that adds beauty and interest to moist, naturalized landscapes.
Bidens cernua, commonly known as Nodding Bur-Marigold, is a native annual wildflower found in wetlands, streambanks, and along the edges of ponds throughout Illinois. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and prefers full sun to partial shade.
This plant features long, slender stems with opposite, lance-shaped leaves. In late summer to fall, it produces nodding clusters of bright yellow, daisy-like flowers with dark centers. The flowers are attractive to a wide range of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Bidens cernua can grow to a height of 0.5 to 3 feet and often has a slightly sprawling or upright form.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Bidens cernua is an excellent choice for wetland restorations, rain gardens, or along pond edges, where its bright yellow flowers provide vibrant color in the late summer and fall. The plant also attracts pollinators and provides ecological benefits by supporting local wildlife. It is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that adds beauty and interest to moist, naturalized landscapes.
Bloom: late summer to early fall
Habitats: bogs; ditches along railroads and roadsides; edges of ponds and rivers; marshes; seeps; soggy meadows in floodplain areas; swamps
Lifespan: annual
Moisture: wet
Plant type (height): forb (0.5 to 3 feet)
Requirements: full sun to partial sun
Soil: mucky
