Celosia argentia
(sell-O-sia ar-GEN-ti-a)
Common Name: Cockscomb, Celosia, Plume Cockscomb
Family: Amaranthaceae

Species originating in the warmer parts of Africa and the Americas, this is the only species widely cultivated as a bedding annual, and for cut flowers. It has evolved into two different forms, which are recognizable as belonging to the one species.

C. argentia, var. cristata: (right), with bizarre wavy, brain-shaped crests of fused flower stalks in many colors. May be dried, but seeds are shed profusely following drying.

C. argentia, var. plumosa: (left), with erect, plume-like heads of tiny deformed flowers, in a range of reds and other hot colors.

No information available.

Celosia spicata
Common Name: Rattail Celosia
sell-O-sia spi-CA-ta

This species has become popular in recent years as a cut flower.