Each morning on my hike, I pass by a plant that many people dismiss as a weed—Bidens alba, commonly known as Spanish Needles. With its delicate white petals and bright yellow center, it doesn’t demand attention like some of Florida’s more showy wildflowers, but for those who know, it is a hidden gem.
This unassuming plant has been used for centuries as food, medicine, and even survival rations. Native Americans, herbalists, and modern foragers all recognize its value. It thrives in disturbed soils, roadsides, and along trails—wherever it can find a bit of sun. But don’t let its humble appearance fool you. This plant carries a wealth of medicinal benefits.
Medicinal Uses: Nature’s Healer in Your Backyard
Spanish Needles is a member of the Asteraceae family and has been traditionally used to treat a variety of ailments. It contains flavonoids, polyphenols, and antioxidants, making it a potent plant for overall wellness.
Common Medicinal Benefits:
- Immune Booster – Helps fight colds, flu, and infections.
- Anti-Inflammatory – Used for soothing sore throats and wounds.
- Wound Healing – Applied as a poultice to help cuts and scrapes heal faster.
- Digestive Aid – Used as a tea to calm indigestion and bloating.
- Antimicrobial – Helps fight bacteria and infections in herbal medicine.
Many cultures worldwide have used Bidens alba for malaria treatment, respiratory issues, and as an anti-diabetic herb. Recent studies suggest it has potential as an antiviral and may help regulate blood sugar levels.
How Did Native Americans Use Spanish Needles?
Indigenous tribes across Florida and the Southeastern United States valued Bidens alba as a powerful herbal remedy. It was commonly used by the Seminole and Creek tribes as:
- A tea for fevers and colds
- A poultice for wounds, bug bites, and rashes
- A digestive remedy
- A food source—young leaves were often eaten raw or cooked
Spanish Needles was also considered a survival plant. During times of scarcity, the greens provided essential nutrients. Some legends even spoke of it as “the healer’s weed,” given to humans by nature to cure common ailments.
Folklore & Legends: The Bee’s Favorite Flower
One of the most charming things about Spanish Needles is its relationship with pollinators. It is one of the most important nectar plants for bees and butterflies in Florida—especially for monarchs and native bees.
Legend has it that a field of Spanish Needles was a sign of good luck, as it meant the land was rich and full of life. Some farmers believed letting it grow near their crops improved honey quality since bees preferred its nectar over many other flowers.
Another story from the Caribbean suggests that Bidens alba was a symbol of resilience—no matter how many times it was pulled from the ground, it would return stronger than before. In a way, this mirrors the human experience: survival, adaptation, and quiet strength.
Harvesting & Using Spanish Needles
If you have Spanish Needles growing nearby, you can harvest the leaves and flowers throughout most of the year. The young leaves are tender and edible, while the flowers can be used in teas.
Spanish Needles Herbal Tea for Colds & Flu
This simple tea is great for immune support and fighting off seasonal illnesses.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons fresh or dried Spanish Needles leaves and flowers
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- A squeeze of lemon (optional)
Instructions:
- Pour hot water over the Spanish Needles leaves and flowers.
- Let steep for 10–15 minutes.
- Strain and enjoy warm with honey and lemon.
Spanish Needles & Mint Cooling Tea
Perfect for hot days and digestive support, this tea is refreshing and lightly herbal.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon Spanish Needles leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint leaves
- 1 cup boiling water
- Ice cubes (for serving)
Instructions:
- Pour boiling water over the leaves and let steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain and let cool.
- Serve over ice for a refreshing herbal drink.
Healing Poultice for Bug Bites & Cuts
Since Spanish Needles has antimicrobial properties, you can make a quick poultice to soothe cuts, scrapes, and bites.
Instructions:
- Crush a handful of fresh Spanish Needles leaves.
- Apply directly to the affected area and cover with a clean cloth.
- Let sit for 20 minutes, then rinse.
Why You Should Let This “Weed” Grow
If you see Spanish Needles on your daily walks—or even sprouting up in your garden—consider leaving some behind for the pollinators, for medicine, and for its quiet, persistent beauty.
What was once dismissed as a weed is actually a gift from nature, waiting to be rediscovered.