Tickseed sunflowers (Bidens aristosa) bloom in the fall, sporting about eight glorious canary yellow petals. The center of the flower is also canary yellow and is punctuated with tiny black seeds that resemble newly hatched seed ticks. These tick like seeds have awns that are barbed to help with seed dispersal. They allow the seed to catch and hang tight to any passing animals, much like newly hatched ticks that amass in clumps on leaf ends or grass blades. The tickseed sunflowers seeds are a food source for a number of birds, especially ducks in the swampy areas. The flower stalk may reach heights of up to six feet, which is impressive when you notice its spindly stem. The bright canary yellow of the tickseed sunflower shows up well against the black water of the swamps, and makes a lovely contrast to the subtle red, gold and rust colors of the fall leaves of the tupelos, gums, red maples and cypress needles.