[4] It is native to eastern and central North America from Nova Scotia to northern Georgia and as far west as the Rocky Mountains.

It is an introduced species on the West Coast of North America as well as parts of Europe.

[5][6] Bidens vulgata is an annual herb producing a hairy stem which generally grows 30 to 50 centimeters (12 to 20 inches) tall but often grows much taller, exceeding 100 cm (39 in).

The inflorescence produces several small flower heads with centers of yellow disc florets and a fringe of 3 to 5 yellow ray florets a few millimeters in length.

The species grows primarily in wet locations such as swamps, marshes, streambanks, etc.