My mom calls them roostercombs. Other common names are cockscombs and woolflowers. These unusual plants are members of the Amaranth family, belonging to the small genus, Celosia. According to Wikipedia, one genus of Celosia, C. argentea is a leading leafy green vegetables in Nigeria. It's known as "soko yokoto" which means " make husbands fat and happy". (Interesting, huh!) Chinese herbalists reportedly used celosia to stop bleeding and to treat blood diseases and infections of the urinary tract. In the Victorian Language of Flowers, Celosias signified humor, warmth, and silliness.
Celosias are easy to grow from seed and often self seed in the garden. They like full sun and are drought tolerant. Celosias are also easy to dry. I used some to add color to the wreath I made for my front door.
