Apache beggarticks also known as sticktight or bidens is a common wildflower found throughout North America. Its small, bright yellow flowers blossom in late summer and fall. As a pet owner, you may wonder – is this plant safe around my dogs, cats, or other pets? Here’s what you need to know.
An Overview of Apache Beggarticks
This annual plant is named for its seed heads which are covered in barbed spikes that cling to fur and clothing. It’s a member of the Asteraceae family along with other daisies and sunflowers.
Apache beggarticks grows 1-4 feet tall on erect, sometimes reddish stems Its leaves are opposite, toothed, and up to 6 inches long Single yellow daisy-like flower heads bloom at the ends of branches or upper leaf axils.
As the flowers fade, the round seed heads form. These are covered with two sharp, backwards-facing spines. This helps the plant spread by sticking to passing animals.
Is Apache Beggarticks Toxic?
The good news is that Apache beggarticks is generally non-toxic to pets like dogs and cats. However, be aware that consuming large amounts may cause some mild stomach upset.
According to the ASPCA, bidens species plants are not known to be seriously poisonous. Only the inconvenience of the burred seeds is noted.
Similarly, the Pet Poison Helpline classifies Apache beggarticks as non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. They advise watching for potential gastrointestinal irritation if large volumes are ingested.
So while this wildflower doesn’t contain toxins, eating too much could lead to some diarrhea or drooling. Pet owners should keep an eye out for these symptoms of upset stomach.
Risks of the Seeds
While the actual flowers and leaves don’t pose much of a risk, the prickly seed heads can be another story. The spikes are designed to cling tightly to fur, socks, and clothing.
If pets get these seed heads stuck in their fur, they may become irritated trying to paw them off. Cats are especially prone to overgrooming.
Ingesting the burred fruits can also be a choking hazard. The spikes may get caught in the throat on the way down.
So it’s best to inspect your pets’ coats after walks through fields or woods where Apache beggarticks grows. Carefully cut out any burs embedded in fur to prevent discomfort.
Keeping Pets Safe
A few simple precautions can help keep your pets safe around this wildflower:
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Avoid areas with lots of seed heads in the fall. Stick to mowed fields and trails.
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Check fur thoroughly for burs after every walk.
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Groom longer-haired pets daily in bidens season.
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Watch for any signs of drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea after roaming in infested areas.
While Apache beggarticks itself is harmless, the burred seeds can be annoying. With some awareness and grooming, your dog, cat, or other furry friends can safely explore areas where this wildflower grows. Monitor for symptoms of stomach upset and remove any clinging burs to prevent discomfort.
Apache beggarticks is classified as non-toxic for pets like dogs, cats, and horses. While it can potentially cause mild diarrhea if large amounts are eaten, it does not contain poisonous compounds. The main risk is the seed heads, which can stick tightly to fur and irritate pets as they try to remove them. With some simple precautions, Apache beggarticks doesn’t have to put a damper on your outdoor adventures with pets!
Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Phone Number: (888) 426-4435
This list contains plants that have been reported as having systemic effects on animals and/or intense effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Please note that the information contained in our plant lists is not meant to be all-inclusive, but rather a compilation of the most frequently encountered plants. Individual plants may differ in appearance from the photos used on our listings. Please be sure to check the name of the plant to determine its toxicity.
Also, be advised that the consumption of any plant material may cause vomiting and gastrointestinal upset for dogs and cats. Plants listed as either non-toxic, or potentially toxic with mild GI upset as their symptoms are not expected to be life-threatening to your pets.
If you believe that your animal is ill or may have ingested a poisonous substance, or if you have any further questions regarding the information contained in this database, contact either your local veterinarian or the APCC 24-hour emergency poison hotline at 1-888-426-4435. Printable Lists of Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants:
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10 PLANTS Safe for DOGS ✅ Dog-Friendly Plants
FAQ
What flowers are not safe for pets?
Are beggarticks edible?
What outdoor flowering plants are safe for dogs?
Is monarda toxic to cats?
Are Apache beggarticks perennials?
Apache Beggarticks, Fern-Leaved Beggarticks, Coreopsis ferulifolia, Bidens procera Long-blooming and carefree, Bidens ferulifolia (Apache Beggarticks) is a vigorous low-growing evergreen perennial, often grown as an annual, boasting a profusion of delicately fragrant, bright yellow daisies, up to 2 in. across (5 cm).
Are flowers toxic to dogs?
A surprising number of flowers are toxic to dogs. If you love to fill your home with fresh blooms, or want to select dog safe flowers for your garden, read on for some suggestions. Keeping your dog safe in the garden isn’t just about securing the fences and avoiding dangerous pesticides.
Are gerbera daisies poisonous to dogs?
Thank goodness these colorful classics are non-toxic for dogs as well. Bright and cheerful, daisies are a great gift for flower-loving dog owners. Or, well, anyone. As with sunflowers, the petals of gerbera daisies are edible. Plants can be purchased from a nursery, or can be grown from seed in your garden.
Are purple flowers poisonous to dogs?
These vaguely cup-shaped purple flowers are quite toxic to dogs, and dog owners must use caution when planting these flowers in their yard or garden. All parts of the plant and flowers are toxic, but the bulbs (fleshy, underground storage structures) contain the most toxins.