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Nodding Beggartick (Bidens cernua) in September at Greystone Trails in eastern Massachusetts

This medium-size (1 inch) wildflower is a Nodding Beggartick (Bidens cernua). As the flower ages it nods toward the ground, hence the common and scientific names ("cernuus" is Latin for "nodding"). The seed has two prongs ("bidens" is Latin for "with two prongs") which cling to passersby, hence the epithet "beggartick". Identification is aided by the leaves which are opposite, narrow and coarse-toothed.

BIG PHOTO