Fruits are dry cypselae bearing barbs that get caught in fur or clothing, thus aiding in the plant's dispersal.

[3] This species can be found from the United States (Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin),[4] Canada (Ontario), France, Great Britain, and India.

The first sighting of Bidens aristosa in the eastern United States was by the Potomac River near Glen Echo, Maryland in 1902.

[6] The species is likely spread by the import of food crops or wool products.

[6] Bidens aristosa grows in marshes, meadows, pine forests and disturbed sites at elevations of 0 to 300 metres from sea level.