Our yard is full of Bidens Alba and tiny plants made this art. The ones I transplanted on the base of the pine stump are 20 inches tall. The yard is full of these, yet I have no photos to show other than this sad little guy.
Bidens alba
Wikipedia
bidens alba from en.wikipedia.org
Bidens alba, which belongs to the family Asteraceae, is most commonly known as shepherd's needles, beggarticks, Spanish needles, or butterfly needles.
the Plus comes in that this plant has many uses.
Bidens alba, also known as Spanish needles, has many benefits, including being a food source, a nectar source for pollinators, and a potential treatment for infections.
Food source
The leaves of Bidens alba are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked.
They are high in fiber, protein, carotenes, folate, and magnesium.
The leaves can be used in salads, soups, or stir fry.
The dried leaves can be used as a tobacco substitute.
Nectar source
Bidens alba provide a nectar source for butterflies and honey-bees.
(The bees are back in our yard and loving these weeds.)
Treatment for infections
Bidens alba can treat infections, particularly those that affect mucous membranes.
A poultice of the leaves can treat skin infections like MRSA.
Other benefits
Bidens alba is a top pollinator in Central Florida.
Bidens alba is a source of nutrients similar to kale.
THIS POST IS THE LAST OF THE DRAFTS I CREATED AND HATED AND DID NOT POST.
DRAFT IS CLEAR,
THE PERFECT TIME TO TAKE A BREAK. .
