Plumed cockscomb Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Plumed cockscomb

Scientific classification
Genus:	Celosia
Species:	argentea
Synonyms
Synonyms list Amaranthus cristatus Noronha Amaranthus huttonii H.J.Veitch Amaranthus purpureus Nieuwl. Amaranthus pyramidalis Noronha Celosia aurea T.Moore Celosia castrensis L. Celosia coccinea L. Celosia comosa Retz. Celosia cristata L. Celosia debilis S.Moore Celosia huttonii Mast. Celosia japonica Houtt. Celosia japonica Mart. Celosia margaritacea L. Celosia marylandica Retz. Celosia pallida Salisb. Celosia plumosa (Voss) Burv. Celosia purpurea J.St.-Hil. Celosia purpurea A.St.-Hil. ex Steud. Celosia pyramidalis Burm.f. Celosia splendens Schumach. & Thonn. Celosia swinhoei Hemsl. Chamissoa margaritacea (L.) Schouw.

Celosia argentea, commonly known as the plumed cockscomb or silver cock's comb, is a herbaceous plant of tropical origin, and is known for its very bright colors. In India and China it is known as a troublesome weed.

Description
Cultivation
- Cultivars
Uses
- Food
Images for kids
See also

Description

Celosia argentea is a tender annual that is often grown in gardens. It blooms in mid-spring to summer. It is propagated by seeds. The seeds are extremely small, up to 43,000 seeds per ounce. The flowers are hermaphrodites and the plant also exhibits dodecaploidy.

Cultivation

As these plants are of tropical origin, they grow best in full sunlight and should be placed in a well-drained area. Full sunlight means they should get at least 8 hours of direct sunlight. For healthy growth plant them in the area where they get early morning sunlight and afternoon shade. In the afternoon the sunlight are mostly harsh especially in hot summer. Afternoon shade will save the plant from excessive heat. The flowerheads can last up to 8 weeks, and further growth can be promoted by removing dead flowers.

Cultivars

Celosia argentea var. cristata 'Flamingo Feathers' is a cultivar that can grow up to 2 feet in height. The colors are predominantly pink to light violet, and the leaves are a darker green than other cultivars. The Century cultivars are usually taller (1–2 feet), and are bright red, yellow, orange, or pink. The Kimono cultivars are generally smaller (4 inches – 1 foot), and have more muted colors, though similar to the Century cultivars. Other colors, such as white, burgundy, orange-red, etc., can be found. Certain varieties will grow to 3–4 feet in height. Celosia plumosa, also known as Prince of Wales feathers, is a synonym for Celosia argentea. Seeds may be sold as mixtures.

The following strains have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit (confirmed 2017):

C. argentea var. cristata (Plumosa Group) 'Smart Look Red'
C. argentea var. cristata (Plumosa Group) 'Fresh Look Orange' (Fresh Look Group)
C. argentea var. cristata (Plumosa Group) 'Glow Red'
C. argentea var. cristata (Plumosa Group) 'Century Rose' (Century Group)
C. argentea var. cristata (Spicata Group) 'Flamingo Feather'

Uses

It is used in Africa to help control growth of the parasitic Striga plant. It can also be used in soaps.

Food

The leaves and flowers are edible and are grown for such use in Africa and Southeast Asia. Celosia argentea var. argentea or "Lagos spinach" is one of the main boiled greens in West Africa, where it is known as soko yòkòtò (Yoruba) or farar áláyyafó (Hausa).

Images for kids

Silver cockscomb Celosia argentea
Celosia argentea. 2018 Taichung World Flora Exposition, Taiwan.
Celosia cristata
Plumed cockscomb flower and an insect on it.
Around the fields in Hyderabad, India
Celosia argentea. 2018 Taichung World Flora Exposition, Taiwan.
Colored varieties used as ornamental plant in the Botanical Garden of Curitiba, Southern Brazil

Plumed cockscomb facts for kids

Contents