bur marigold
A child brushes a bur marigold seed from their sock after walking through a field.
Noun: 1. Any of several plants of the genus Bidens: A common name for various flowering plants belonging to the genus Bidens, characterized by their yellow, daisy-like flower heads and distinctive dry fruits (achenes) that are typically barbed or spiny.
The term "bur marigold" is used to identify a group of herbaceous plants, often found in wet or damp habitats. It is a standard common name in botany and field guides. - The wetland was dotted with the bright yellow blooms of bur marigold. - After our walk through the field, our socks were covered in bur marigold seeds.
- The name "bur marigold" directly references the plant's "bur"-like seed pods (which stick to animals and clothing) and its "marigold"-like yellow flowers, though it is not related to true marigolds (genus ).
- These plants are also commonly called "beggar-ticks" or "sticktights" due to the clinging nature of their seeds.
- Beggar-ticks: Another common name for plants in the genus , emphasizing the seed's tendency to stick.
- Sticktight: A colloquial name highlighting the same adhesive seed characteristic.
- Bidens: The scientific genus name for all bur marigolds.
- Beggar-ticks
- Sticktight
- Spanish needles (for some species)
The primary meaning refers to the plant itself. The defining feature that gives the plant its name is its prickly fruit, which acts as a bur to disperse seeds by clinging to fur, feathers, or fabric.
A child brushes a bur marigold seed from their sock after walking through a field.
- any of several plants of the genus Bidens having yellow flowers and prickly fruits that cling to fur and clothing