Bidens pilosa - Cobbler's Pegs - Edible Weeds and Bush Tucker Plant Foods

Bidens pilosa

Cobbler's Pegs

Other names: Farmer's friends, beggar's ticks, pitchforks, stick-tights, burr marigold
Introduced From: South America
Family:
Habitat: A prominent weed of gardens, woodlands, and waste areas.
Uses: Leaves edible cooked
Season:
References: Low (Weeds), Richardson and Shepherd

Bidens pilosa, Cobbler's Pegs or Farmer's Friends, is a well known weed in the East of Australia. The seeds have a burr that sticks on to your clothing, so that if you brush against a plant in seed, you will end up covered in the seeds and have to pick them off one by one. The name "Farmer's Friends" comes from the seeds wanting to be your friend — not that the plant is particuarly friendly, unless you didn't have anything better to eat, which is about the only time you would be really glad to have Bidens pilosa around.

According to Tim Low it is probably the most widely eaten plant in Black Africa. The leaves do not taste that good, and must be boiled in a large volume of water, and other ingredients used to mask the flavour.

Bidens pilosa - Cobbler's Pegs
Photo: Bidens pilosa, Cobbler's Pegs. Blaxland, Blue Mountains NSW. High resolution (1755 x 2637)

Bidens pilosa - Cobbler's Pegs
Photo: Bidens pilosa, Cobbler's Pegs. Blaxland, Blue Mountains NSW. High resolution (1660 x 1823)

Bush Tucker Plant Foods - Edible Weeds
Bush Tucker Plant Foods Index
Return to Site Map

Share This Page

Content is copyright © Survival.ark.au 2005-2024 All Rights Reserved. Terms of Use. Definitely read the disclaimer before trying anything from this website, especially including the practices and skills. This website uses affiliate links – this doesn't cost you any more, but I get a commission on purchases made through the website. As an Amazon Associate I earn similarly from qualifying purchases.

Bidens pilosa - Cobbler's Pegs - Edible Weeds and Bush Tucker Plant Foods

Wild Plant Foods

Website Index


Popular Pages


Newest Pages


Advertisement

Tentworld is the largest independent camping store in Australia.


Click here for more self sufficiency and survival resources