Definition

Noun 1. A species of bur marigold: Trifid beggar-ticks is the common name for a specific flowering plant, Bidens tripartita, native to temperate regions of Eurasia. It is characterized by its three-part (trifid) leaves and small, yellow flowers that produce barbed seeds (burs) that cling to animal fur and clothing.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The wetland area was populated with trifid beggar-ticks and other native herbs.
  • After our hike, we had to pick dozens of trifid beggar-ticks from our socks.

Advanced Usage

• As a subject of botanical study: The term is used in botanical, ecological, and horticultural contexts to identify this specific species.
  • The study compared the seed dispersal mechanisms of trifid beggar-ticks and common burdock.

Variants and Related Words

• Bidens tripartita (n): The scientific (Latin) name for the plant.
• Bur marigold (n): The common name for plants in the genus.
• Sticktight (n): A general name for plants with clinging seeds.
• Beggar-ticks (n): A common name for various species with barbed fruits.

Synonyms

• Three-lobe beggarticks
• Three-part beggarticks

Notes on Meaning

This term refers exclusively to a single plant species. The name is descriptive: "trifid" refers to its three-lobed leaves, and "beggar-ticks" refers to its small, tick-like seeds that readily attach ("beg") to passersby.

Noun

1. bur marigold of temperate Eurasia