A native annual that abounds in this area, beggar's ticks (Torilis arvensis) is related to carrots and Queen Anne's lace. It is also called spreading hedge-parsley. This plant grows easily in our lawn and gardens and is quite attractive, with long, lacy leaves, slender stems, and pretty white sprays of flowers. It often grows along paths in wooded areas, creating an effect similar to baby's breath. Sprouting early in the spring, beggar's ticks grows about two feet tall and branches in a small tree-like fashion. Although it is tempting to allow it to grow in our gardens, it has one major drawback. The seeds are sometimes called stick-tights and are tiny bits of Velcro. Each little white flower produces a pod and these are covered with miniscule hooked hairs. They stick equally well to socks, pants, and dogs, making them a major nuisance once the seeds have ripened. They even stick to shoe laces. Very early in the year, the pretty foliage adds green color just as most plants are only sprouting and the white blossoms are very pretty. However, in a very short time, the seeds develop and, until the plants die in the summer and finally get beaten down by rain, they form an obstacle course for anyone who doesn't want to spend time afterwards removing the obstinate little burrs from clothing and pets.
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