Weeds of Wednesday: Where Have All the Bidens Gone?

Usually, common beggarticks (Bidens alba) is abundant -- along roadsides, mosquito control dikes, and in other disturbed places. Not so much this year, though. Perhaps, the lack of rainfall this year explains its relative absence. Common beggarticks are an annual…

Weeds of Wednesday: Hairy Cowpea

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder! Hairy cowpea (Vigna luteola) is a twining vine with bright yellow flowers that are held on long flower stalks (pedicels). This member of the pea family, Fabacae, can smother other vegetation, especially…

Weeds of Wednesday: Bees & Butterflies Love Beggarticks

At the entrance to the Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area, now flourishes a big "bush" of beggarticks (Bidens alba). Yes, this plant is weedy and hitchhikes its way around via its 2-toothed seeds that give rise to its species name, Bidens: …