West Indian Cock's Comb
Celosia nitida
- Native to:
- Bahamas, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Leeward Is., Mexico, Puerto Rico, United States, Virgin Islands, Windward Is.
iNaturalist: © joshua_tx (iNaturalist #105057683)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Amaranthaceae
- Genus:
- Celosia
- Species:
- Celosia nitida
- USDA Symbol:
- CENI
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Subshrub
- Height:
- 200 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- white, pink
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- butterflies
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- native to tropical regions, prefers fertile soils
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light and warm temperatures (70-75°F) for best germination.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI