4
$\begingroup$

What species of plant is this?

  • Location: Toronto area (Ontario, Canada)
  • Date: July 7, 2022
  • Conditions: Acid soil in shade
  • Height: Approx. 11 inches
  • Description: Younger leaves resemble tomato leaves. Main leaves are serrated. Opposite.

enter image description here

August 25, 2022

enter image description here

enter image description here

September 6, 2022

enter image description here

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
5
  • $\begingroup$ I think the leaves are simple pinnate and alternating, though it is hard to tell from the photo. I want to say Dahlia, but the leaves don't look quite right. $\endgroup$
    – bob1
    Commented Jul 7, 2022 at 21:38
  • $\begingroup$ @bob1 Thanks. If you click on the photo a couple of times in your browser, it should show the full photo, which is quite large. From there, you can zoom in. When we do that, I think it's a bit clearer that the leaves are opposite, not alternating. $\endgroup$
    – User1974
    Commented Jul 7, 2022 at 22:13
  • $\begingroup$ Thanks. Opposite is correct. Not Dahlia - too hairy. $\endgroup$
    – bob1
    Commented Jul 8, 2022 at 0:41
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Can you post more photos of this plant? Closeups of the stem, roots (if you decide to kill or move it), and both surfaces of the leaves may help; however, flower photos are likely necessary for you to get a definitive identification (ideally from multiple angles). $\endgroup$
    – tyersome
    Commented Jul 14, 2022 at 1:52
  • $\begingroup$ Nice updates. Should help quite a bit. $\endgroup$
    – Jiminy Cricket.
    Commented Sep 6, 2022 at 17:19

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
6
+50
$\begingroup$

I think that this is one of the beggarticks, in the genus Bidens. There are several possibilities in your area, including B. connata, B. frondosa, and B. vulgata. I think more detail would be needed for a finer identification.

The main features pointing me this way are the opposite, compound leaves, and the distinctive shape of the leaflets (ovate-lanceolate, serrated margins, attenuate tips).

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
1
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Based on the number and type of bracts beneath the flowering head (aka "calyculus bractlets", about 8, not "foliaceous" but merely herbaceous), and the shape of the leaves (3-foliate), I think this is probably Bidens frondosa. $\endgroup$
    – Darlingtonia
    Commented Sep 7, 2022 at 0:09

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .