What is Apache Beggarticks Flower Commonly Used For? A Comprehensive Guide

Apache beggarticks also known as Bidens ferulifolia or Bidens apache, is a lovely yellow flower that grows wild across much of North America. With its bright blossoms and delicate fern-like foliage, this native plant has long been valued not just for its visual appeal but also for its versatility and usefulness. In this article, we’ll explore the many ways apache beggarticks flower is commonly used, from traditional medicinal remedies to modern landscaping and gardening applications.

An Overview of Apache Beggarticks

Apache beggarticks is a perennial plant in the Asteraceae family. It is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Other common names for this plant include coreopsis ferulifolia Bidens procera and fern-leafed beggarticks.

This wildflower is known for its attractive golden-yellow daisy blooms, which emerge in early summer and continue flowering until the first frost. The flowers have five petals and grow in clusters at the top of lightly branched, wiry stems. The leaves are deeply cut and fern-like in appearance. Plants grow 1-2 feet tall and spread 1-3 feet wide.

Apache beggarticks thrives in full sun and dry to medium moisture levels. It is drought tolerant once established. This hardy plant attracts pollinators and beneficial insects. It spreads readily by seed and sometimes can become weedy.

Traditional Medicinal Uses

Like many wildflowers, apache beggarticks has a long history of medicinal use by Native American tribes. Various parts of the plant were used to treat a wide range of ailments. Some of the most common traditional uses include:

• Treating colds, sore throats, and respiratory congestion. Apache beggarticks was used as an expectorant to clear mucus and soothe coughs.

• Reducing fever and relieving headaches. The plant has antipyretic properties to lower high temperatures.

• Healing wounds. Poultices made from the leaves or whole plant were applied topically to cleanse and help heal cuts, burns, and skin abrasions.

• Easing gastrointestinal issues. Tea made from the leaves and flowers was taken to relieve digestive problems like nausea, constipation, and diarrhea.

• Cleansing the blood and promoting kidney function. The plant was considered a blood purifier and diuretic.

While these traditional uses provide insight into the potential benefits of apache beggarticks, more research is still needed to understand the plant’s medicinal efficacy and active compounds. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any medicinal plant.

Landscaping and Gardens

Today, apache beggarticks remains a popular choice for gardens and landscaping applications. Here are some of the main reasons it is commonly used:

• Long flowering period. The cheery yellow blossoms bloom for months, brightening up the landscape from early summer into fall.

• Attracts pollinators. The nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial pollinating insects.

• Tolerates heat and drought. Once established, apache beggarticks is quite durable and stands up well to heat, wind, and periods of low moisture.

• Self-seeds readily. The plant freely self-seeds, making it a low-maintenance option that will come back year after year.

• Provides visual interest. The delicate foliage offers lovely texture contrast to other plants. The golden blossoms pop against the ferny green leaves.

• Works well in flower beds, borders, rock gardens, and container gardens. The compact, mounding habit makes it adaptable for various garden uses.

• Deer resistant. An added bonus is that deer and rabbits tend to avoid dining on this plant.

For gardens, apache beggarticks is lovely massed in drifts or small groupings. It pairs nicely with lantana, verbena, black-eyed Susans, salvias, and other sun-loving perennials. Be sure to allow it room to self-seed.

Culinary Uses

Apache beggarticks flowers and leaves are also edible, adding color and mild flavor to salads, soups, and other dishes. The plant has been used as a nutritious cooked green, similar to spinach. The flower petals can provide a pretty, golden garnish.

However, some people may experience allergic reactions to ingesting apache beggarticks. It’s best to use caution and only eat small amounts at first until you know how you’ll react. Additionally, never eat plants that have been treated with herbicides or pesticides.

Other Uses

Apache beggarticks has been used traditionally for a number of other purposes as well, including:

• Yellow dye. A yellow dye can be extracted from the flowers and used as a natural fabric dye.

• Cosmetics. Crushed leaves were sometimes applied topically as a natural skin cleanser and toner.

• Smoking. Dried leaves and flowers were occasionally mixed with tobacco or other herbs for smoking.

• Fishing. Crushed plants were used to stun fish, making them easier to catch.

• Pest control. Some tribes planted apache beggarticks around crops to repel certain insect pests.

As you can see, this versatile wildflower has served many uses over the centuries! Even today, it remains a valued garden plant and unique natural remedy.

Growing Apache Beggarticks

If you’d like to grow this pretty heirloom flower in your own garden, here are some tips:

• Light requirements: Full sun to partial shade. At least 6 hours of direct sun per day.

• Soil: Well-draining soil, average to dry moisture. Loamy, sandy, or rocky soils.

• Planting: Sow seeds or plant young starts in spring after the last frost date. Plants will self-seed each year.

• Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart. Allow them room to spread.

• Watering: Drought tolerant once established, but regularly water new plants in dry periods.

• Fertilizer: Apply balanced organic fertilizer at planting time and once in midsummer.

• Maintenance: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers. Cut back leggy growth as needed.

• Hardiness: Perennial in zones 7-10. Grown as an annual in colder climates.

• Pests and diseases: Rarely troubled by pests or diseases. Avoid overhead watering.

With a little basic care, apache beggarticks will reward you with months of glowing golden blossoms and graceful foliage. Enjoy this heirloom flower’s beauty and versatility in your own garden this season.

Final Thoughts

Apache beggarticks flower has ornamental appeal along with traditional medicinal uses and other benefits. This hardy North American wildflower has naturalized across much of the continent, thriving from desert climates to prairie regions. Its bright yellow daisy blooms and delicate, fern-like leaves add texture and visual delight to any setting. Beyond just its charm and beauty, this versatile plant has served as a healing herb, garden flower, culinary ingredient, and more over the centuries. Hopefully this overview gives you a deeper appreciation for the many ways this iconic wildflower has been commonly used traditionally and in gardens today.