Celosia argentea (Cristata Group)

Developed from a species native to tropical Africa, this crested garden form is an annual herb in the amaranth family. Its dense flower heads form flattened, folded crests resembling a rooster’s comb. Garden varieties produce red, pink, purple, orange, yellow, or cream-colored heads, which are useful for fresh and dried arrangements. Young leaves and flowers are edible. Plants grow readily from seed and may reseed. The species is naturalized in Colombia and considered invasive in China. Photographed in Barranquilla, Colombia.