Definition

Noun: 1. Any of several plants of the genus Bidens: A common name for various flowering plants characterized by having yellow flowers and producing dry, prickly fruits (achenes) that easily attach to animal fur or clothing via small hooks or barbs.

Usage

• The term is used as a common name in botany, gardening, and general descriptions of weedy plants in damp areas.
• It specifically refers to the plant's most distinguishing feature: its clinging, burr-like seeds.

Examples

• "After our walk through the wet meadow, our socks were covered with the seeds of the burr marigold."
• "Several species of burr marigold, also called beggar-ticks, can be found along the riverbank."
• "The burr marigold is often considered a nuisance because its prickly fruits stick to pet fur."

Advanced Usage

• The name "burr marigold" is somewhat misleading, as these plants are not true marigolds (genus ). The name likely comes from the appearance of their bright yellow, daisy-like flower heads.
• In ecological contexts, the clinging mechanism of the fruit is an example of epizoochory, a method of seed dispersal where seeds are transported on the outside of animals.

Variants and Related Words

• Beggar-ticks: A very common synonym for burr marigold, equally emphasizing the clinging nature of the seeds.
• Sticktight: Another colloquial name for plants in the genus.
• Bidens: The scientific genus name for all burr marigolds.

Synonyms

• Beggar-ticks
• Sticktight
• Spanish needles (for some species)

Related Phrases

• Clinging burrs: A descriptive phrase for the fruit of the burr marigold.
• Prickly fruits: A general term describing the seed structure.

Noun

1. any of several plants of the genus Bidens having yellow flowers and prickly fruits that cling to fur and clothing