Tripartite Tickseed (Bidens tripartita)

Tripartite Tickseed (Bidens tripartita) is a member of the Asteraceae family, native to North America, South America, and Caribbean. Traditionally, its leaves, flowers, and seeds have been used for infusions, decoctions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, bitter, and diuretic actions, and has a long history of use in native american herbal medicine, african traditional medicine, and european herbal medicine.

Tripartite Tickseed (Bidens tripartita) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Tripartite Tickseed (Bidens tripartita) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Tripartite Tickseed
Scientific Name	Bidens tripartita
Plant Family	Asteraceae
Genus	Bidens
Species	tripartita
Native Range	North America, South America, Caribbean
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Flowers, Seeds
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Bitter, Diuretic
Primary Traditional Systems	Native American Herbal Medicine, African Traditional Medicine, European Herbal Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Bidens tripartita
Common Name: Tripartite Tickseed
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Tripartite Beggar'S Ticks, Blackweed, Blackroot
Plant Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Bidens

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Annual herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 30 to 100 centimeters.
Leaves: Opposite, ovate leaves with a dull green upper surface and a lighter green lower surface, bearing prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Inflorescence consisting of clustered, actinomorphic flowers with yellow petals and white markings, each flower having five petals and five sepals, with a prominent disk of tubular florets.
Stems: Climbing, hairy, opposite branching, with nodes and internodes bearing sessile, leafy stipules.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Native American Herbal Medicine
African Traditional Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: As described in traditional systems, a soothing anti-inflammatory, in inflammation-focused discussions.
Bitter: In herbal texts, considered a gentle bitter, in bitter herb groupings.
Diuretic: Traditionally described as a cooling diuretic, for moisture-related balance.
Tonic: Commonly referenced as a calming tonic, for long-term use contexts.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: A widely occurring class of plant polyphenols found in leaves, flowers, and fruits.
Phenolic Acid: A class of aromatic plant compounds commonly found in leaves, seeds, and stems.
Tannin: High-molecular-weight phenolic compounds found in many plant species.

Modern Research Overview

This section is reserved for future summaries of scientific research related to this plant. As additional verified sources are reviewed, relevant study information will be added here.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: General precautionary guidance for this herb is not clearly established in available sources.
Contraindications: Contraindications for this herb are not clearly established in available sources.
Allergies: Allergic reactions associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Drug Interactions: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb interacts with pharmaceutical drugs.
Toxicity: The toxicity profile of this herb has not been clearly established.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Available information regarding use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Dried or fresh plant parts are infused in hot water and consumed as a beverage.
Decoction: Decoctions are made by heating plant material in water for an extended time.
Poultice: Fresh or dried plant material is applied externally to the skin.
Powder: This method converts dried plant material into a uniform powder.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers moist soils. Tolerates variable moisture levels.