Herb: Spanish Needles


Latin name: Bidens bipinnata


Family: Compositae



Medicinal use of Spanish Needles:

The root and seeds are popularly used as an emmenagogue and in the treatment of laryngeal and bronchial diseases. A tea made from the leaves is vermifuge. The leaves have been chewed as a treatment for sore throat. The plant juice is styptic and has been used as ear drops. An extract of the plant has bactericidal properties.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Annual


Height:
100 cm
(3 1/4 foot)

Flowering:
September
to October

Habitat of the herb:

Rocky woods, roadsides and waste places, often in sandy soils, Florida to Mexico, north to Massachusetts and New York.

Edible parts of Spanish Needles:

Leaves and young shoots - cooked or used as a flavouring. Used as a vegetable. A tea is made from the flowering tops.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - sow mid to late spring in situ and only just cover the seed.

Cultivation of Spanish Needles:

Rocky woods, roadsides and waste places, often in sandy soils, Florida to Mexico, north to Massachusetts and New York.

Known hazards of Bidens bipinnata:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.