Trifid Bur Marigold

A genus of about 200 species of cosmopolitan, often weedy, annuals, perennials, and shrubs. A few are ornamental, notably B. ferulifolia, grown for its autumn display of golden daisies, and B. atrosanguinea (now (Cosmos atrosanguineus), with its arching stems and deep maroon, chocolate-scented flowers. Bidens comes from the Latin bis, "twice", and dens, "tooth". amd refers to the barbed fruits that adhere to fur and clothing. Bidens tripartita was once known as Hepatorium and used for "obstruction of the liver" and many other complaints, as well as being burned to repel insects. It is little used today. Bidens hipinnata (Spanish Needles, ñachag) is a traditional N American herb for menstrual problems and infections of the throat and lungs. In Ecuador, it is regarded as a tranquilizer. Bidens pilosa (bur marigold, picao preto) is a cosmopolitan species, used for tea, as pot herb, and, in the Phillipines, for flavoring rice wine.

Waterside annual with 4-angled, purple stems and toothed, lanceolate or divided leaves, to 11cm (4 3/8in) long. Yellow-brown, button-like flowers, surrounded by leaf-like bracts, appear in summer.

Common Name:	Trifid bur marigold
Other Names:	Water agrimony
Botanical Name:	Bidens tripartita
Genus:	Bidens
Family:	Asteraceae
Native Location:	Temperate Eurasia
Cultivation:	Damp to wet soil in sun.
Propagation:	By seed sown in spring.
Harvest:	Plants are gut as flowering begins and dried for use in infusions, liquid extracts, and tinctures.
height:	15-60cm (6-24in)
Width:	10-30cm (4-12in)
Hardiness:	Hardy
Parts Used:	Whole plant
Properties:	A bitter, astringent, diuretic herb that controls bleeding
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for blood in the urine, uterine bleeding, ulcerative colitis, and peptic ulcers. Externally, in Russia, for hair loss. Combined with Acorus calamus (see sweet flag) or Zingiber officinale (See ginger) for digestive tract complaints, and with Agrimonia eupatoria (See agrimony) to control hemorrhage.
Bibliography:	Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown. Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limites. pg 144.