Water Marigold, Bidens beckii, is commonly found in shallow slow moving waters, considered to be a more uncommon species in the northeast. Through our early detection surveys, team SLELO has only encountered Bidens beckii, in St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties while NYFA indicates there are records in all 5 counties of our region. B. beckii is considered an indicator species as it is often one of the first submersed plant species to die when water quality declines. It is very valuable to the ecosystem as the foliage of B. beckii provides shade, shelter and foraging opportunities for fish, the flowers are pollinated by insects, and the fruit serves as a food source for waterfowl.

beckii has two distinct leaf types, the submersed and aerial leaves which differ greatly. Submersed leaves are finely divided and oppositely arranged along the stem, with each leaf dividing three times right at the stem- creating a whorled appearance.

If you’re lucky enough to see this species flower, the stem emerges from the water with lance-shaped serrated leaves also oppositely arranged. Blooms are yellow and appear daisy-like.