Does anyone know what this flower is?

Question

this is a picture of the flower:

http://flickr.com/photos/etchasketchariffic/2807628952/

My mom got it while she was at her work and she has no clue what it is but she would like to know. She says it is an annual but that is all we know about it. It would be really helpful if anyone could tell us what this is!

Thanks again :D

Answer 1

That is Celosia. Often called cockscomb because the dwarf variety resembles the comb of a chicken or rooster. It is an annual. Makes an excellent dried flower, and reseeds itself freely. The red(magenta) flower on similar color foliage is called New Look. It also comes in yellow, orange and pink flowers, but with green foliage. Seems like it was the "castle" seed series.

TopCatt

Answer 2

It looks like Salvia!? Hard to tell.

Answer 3

Amaranth:  http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/vi...

c**k's comb:  http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/vi...

Note the difference in folliage colors and bloom structure.  Your mom has Amaranth.  Readily self seeds.

Answer 4

Is that the actual colors of the flower and leaves?

If so it looks like it could be a salvia, or a grass of some sort that has been in water containing a dye to make it that color.  

I know it sounds crazy to dye a flower, but I have a friend who does that and dries them.

Answer 5

It's pretty weird, but not impossible, for a celosia to look like that.  I think it's an amaranth, too.

Answer 6

Definetly CocksComb - they come in many different colors.

Answer 7

Okay, I agree with Peachy that it looks an awful like an Amaranth to me, specifically A. Erithrostachys, commonly known as Prince's Feather.

However, I could be entirely mistaken, and it could very well be, as others are suggesting, some sort of Celosia.

That would be my best guess. Take a look in a book on Garden Annuals, and because you are the owner of the cutting, you can best make the call.  

Answer 8

I'd say that plant looks a lot like an amaranth to me.  

Answer 9

It's a celosia.  Commonly called "c***s comb" because of the shape and bright color of the bloom.  

Answer 10

topcatt is right cockscomb it is.check this site as your picture  blinding due to the light.http://www.ehow.com/how_6741_grow-cocksc...

Answer 11

I agree - definitely a celosia variety.

Answer 12

that's Amaranth..."intense purple''

see the pictures here in this discussion...

http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load...

I grow it...it's very easy.... and stunning in the garden.....

(related to Celosia, too!... )

Answer 13

i dunno but its gorgeous! take it to a flower shop. theyll tell u