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Butterfly Needle (Bidens Alba) Gardening

Butterfly Needle (Bidens Alba): A Perfect Plant for Your Butterfly Garden

Have you ever noticed those pretty white flowers that seem to be everywhere in Florida? They’re called Butterfly Needle, or Bidens alba, but they’re also known by other names like Beggarticks, Romerillo, and sometimes mistakenly called Spanish Needle, which is Bidens bipinnata. Despite sometimes being called a w**d, this plant is actually a superstar in the world of butterfly gardening!

Why Butterfly Needle is Great for Your Garden

Butterfly Needle is a favorite among pollinators, which are the insects and animals that help plants make seeds by spreading pollen. This plant has a very high “Pollinator Density,” which is a term that Johnny Butterflyseed uses to describe how many pollinators a plant can support at one time. The more pollinators that visit your garden, the healthier and more vibrant it will be!

In fact, the University of Florida’s Mid-Florida Research & Education Center says that Butterfly Needle’s delicate, white flowers make it a favorite among pollinators. That means if you plant Butterfly Needle in your garden, you’ll likely see lots of butterflies, bees, and other helpful insects buzzing around.

Not a W**d!

Some people think of Butterfly Needle as a w**d because it grows so easily and can pop up almost anywhere. But Johnny Butterflyseed has come up with a way to measure how friendly a plant really is to our gardens and the creatures that live in them. It’s called the “Plant Friendliness Score” or the “W**d De-W**der.”

The Butterfly Needle gets a score of 16.5, which means it’s “Quite Friendly” and definitely not a w**d! This plant isn’t just a garden filler; it’s a valuable addition that supports a variety of pollinators, making your garden a lively, buzzing place.

Fun Facts About Butterfly Needle

Native or Not?: While it’s native to Central and South America, Butterfly Needle has made itself right at home in Florida. Some think it might even be native to South Florida!

Edible Flowers: Did you know you can actually eat the flowers of the Butterfly Needle? Some people also use its leaves to brew tea.

Butterfly Magnet: As its nickname suggests, Butterfly Needle is fantastic for attracting butterflies. These insects love the nectar from its flowers.

Planting Butterfly Needle in Your Garden

If you’re thinking about starting a butterfly garden, Butterfly Needle is a great plant to include. It’s easy to grow, doesn’t need much care, and will reward you with a garden full of butterflies and other pollinators. Plus, it’s a great way to help support local wildlife and make your garden more beautiful.

So next time you see Butterfly Needle in your yard, don’t pull it out! Instead, let it grow and watch as it brings life and color to your garden. With its high Pollinator Density and friendly nature, Butterfly Needle is a plant you and the butterflies will love… one day at a time!

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