Question

What species of plant is this? Location: Toronto area (Ontario, Canada)Date: July 7, 2022Conditions: Acid soil in shadeHeight: Approx. 11 inchesDescription: Younger leaves resemble tomato leaves. Main leaves are serrated. Opposite. August 25, 2022 September 6, 2022 I think that this is one of the beggarticks, in the genusBidens. There are several possibilities in your area, includingB. connata,B. frondosa, andB. 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).

Answer 1

Based on the characteristics and growing conditions described, the plant in question may belong to the genus Bidens, common in the Toronto area.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the details provided for plant identification in the Toronto area, a plant sharing similar characteristics to tomato leaves, having serrated, opposite leaves, could indeed be from the genus Bidens. Common species of Bidens in Ontario include Bidens connata (Swamp Beggarticks), Bidens frondosa (Common Beggarticks), and Bidens vulgata (Tall Beggarticks). Each of these species exhibits opposite leaves with serrated margins, which is a feature the student observed.

Additional details, such as flower structure and fruit, are often necessary for precise identification at the species level, particularly among closely related species in the same genus. For a more accurate identification, one might consider the plant's habitat, the presence or absence of disc and ray florets, and the nature of the achenes (seeds). However, without such information, a positive identification to the species level remains challenging.

Other plant characteristics provided, such as an acidic soil in the shade and a height of approximately 11 inches, do fit the general growing conditions for Bidens species, supporting the student's initial identification. Nevertheless, since the observance date is in the middle of summer, and if a flowering condition was present, that information would be critical in confirming the species.