Blackjack
Bidens pilosa
WEED
"The seeds are as many as the ticks upon a beggar’s rags, and they cling with the same persistence; yet in every leaf there is a hidden virtue for the blood."
— Adapted from 19th-century colonial botanical observations
Blackjack is perhaps the most famous uninvited guest in the South African landscape, known more for the stubborn, needle-like seeds that hitchhike on our socks (and dogs!) than for its medicinal prowess. Yet, this resilient annual is a powerhouse of traditional wisdom.
Known as uMila in Zulu or Moonyane in Sotho, it has been harvested for generations as a vital "Morogo" or wild leaf vegetable. Historically, it was seen as a protector plant—a first line of defence against infection for ancient travellers.
It is a plant that literally follows humanity, flourishing in disturbed soils as a persistent reminder that our most potent medicines are often right at our heels.
THE HERBAL KITCHEN
In the kitchen, Blackjack is a versatile and nutrient-dense green with a mild, earthy flavour reminiscent of a cross between kale and carrot tops.
The young, tender leaves are lovely when sautéed with garlic and onions, or added to traditional stews.
Even the yellow disc flowers are edible - add them to salads as a peppery, golden garnish.
THE HERBAL APOTHECARY
Medicinally, Blackjack is a true 'wild pharmacy.' It is a potent natural antibiotic, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory.
It is used to manage high blood pressure, acting as a natural hypotensive to dilate blood vessels. Its broad-spectrum antibacterial action makes it a go-to for digestive upsets and respiratory infections, while the fresh crushed leaves have a long-standing reputation for stopping bleeding and preventing sepsis in minor wounds.
BOTANICAL BEAUTY
For the skin, the antibacterial and antifungal properties of Blackjack make it a superb natural cleanser. A cooled infusion serves as an effective rinse for acne-prone skin or a soothing hair tonic to combat an itchy, flaky scalp.
It is also a traditional remedy for the feet; a strong decoction used as a foot soak can help neutralise the fungi responsible for athlete’s foot.
THE NATURAL HOME & GARDEN
The flowers produce a beautiful, earthy yellow dye for yarn and silk, although it doesn’t work well for cotton or linen.
Its strong antibacterial nature makes a decoction of the leaves a useful chemical-free surface wipe for the kitchen.
In the garden it is pollinator magnet, providing essential nectar for indigenous butterflies and predatory beetles. The leaves are also excellent for the compost heap, but I think its real super power is the ability to remove heavy metals from the soil.
THE MENAGERIE
For those with animals, Blackjack is a true "superfood." It is one of the best wild forages for poultry, as the high mineral content is known to deepen the colour of egg yolks and support general bird health.
It is equally valued for livestock and traditionally added to fodder as a general vitality tonic or used as a mild natural de-wormer for goats and sheep.
WHY YOU SHOULD (OR SHOULDN'T!) GROW THIS HERB
In a break from tradition, I would strongly suggest that you do not intentionally plant blackjack in your garden! Because it is such a vigorous self-seeder, one intentional plant will quickly become a thousand, and you will find yourself picking seeds off your clothes for years to come.
Instead, embrace its role as a wild gift. This is a herb meant for foraging. It is already there, growing in the cracks of your driveway or the edges of your plot, waiting for you to recognise its value. By foraging it from the wilder corners of your property, you keep its spread in check while benefiting from its incredible medicinal and nutritional bounty—truly the best of both worlds.
UNLOCK THE FULL MASTER GUIDE
For the deep dive—including botanical etymology, ancestral history, and the complete medicinal and functional archive for Blackjack—look for the Barefoot Herb Guide here:
Weeds Volume 3
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"I'm Sharon. I've spent 25 years helping people remember the old ways of healing. (Read More....)
Preserving ancestral plant wisdom for the
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