How to identify Canna lilies (Canna)

How to identify Canna lilies (Canna)

Canna lilies is characterized by its striking stature and vibrant display. Towering at about 8 feet (2.4 meters) in height and spreading around 6 feet (1.8 meters) wide, this plant presents a commanding presence. It features large, sheathing leaves reminiscent of reeds, which climb along the tall, erect stems. At the pinnacle of these stems, one finds terminal racemes bursting with large, brightly colored flowers rich in carotenoids. The fruit produced is a prickly, 3-valved capsule, adding to its distinctive appearance.

Lifespan: Perennial

Leaf Type: Semi-evergreen

Quickly Identify Canna lilies

Tall plant reaching 8 feet (2.4 meters) in height, spreading 6 feet (1.8 meters) wide.

Large, Gladiolus-like flowers with vibrant colors and modified staminodes.

Distinctive 3-valved capsule fruit with prickly texture and tough, rounded seeds.

Large, broad leaves up to 2 feet (60 cm) long, with pinnate nerves and sheathing structure.

Erect stem with reddish-purple color, smooth texture, unbranching, and supporting robust structure.

Detailed Traits of Canna lilies

Leaf Features

The leaves of canna lilies are large and broad, with a pinnately nerved structure and a distinct midrib. They are arranged alternately in a 2-ranked pattern and are simple and sheathing. The leaves can grow up to 2 feet (60 cm) long and 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) wide, with colors ranging from green to reddish-purple or yellowish variegated. The blade is broad elliptic to lanceolate in shape, with an acute tip and broadly cuneate to rounded base. They may also have a glaucous coating for additional texture.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

Canna lilies flowers are notable for their Gladiolus-like form, blooming atop erect stems sheathed in large paddle-shaped leaves. What appears to be petals are actually modified stamens known as staminodes. The flowers showcase a bold array of colors, including rose, pink, red, yellow, orange, salmon, and bicolored varieties. The blooms consist of three narrow petals united into a basal tube and three showy, broadly obovate staminodes. Typically, they bloom from July to October, displaying asymmetrical, vibrant carotenoid pigments.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of canna lilies is erect, generally ranging from 1 to 5 feet (30 to 150 cm) in height. It often features a striking reddish-purple coloration. The texture of the stem is smooth and firm, providing structural support. The stem is relatively thick, and its unbranching characteristic is notable. Distinctly robust, it plays a crucial role in supporting the plant's overall architecture, making it a unique and identifiable feature of canna lilies.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The mature fruit of canna lilies is a distinct, 3-valved capsule, often notable for its pronounced, wart-like protrusions. The exterior texture is characterized by a prickly surface, which provides a tactile clue for identification. The capsule encases numerous, rounded seeds that are remarkably tough, owing to their very hard endosperm. These seeds display a resilience that is a signature feature of canna lilies's reproductive capacities. Although the color is not specified, the description focuses on the robust, protective nature of the fruit, which safeguards the seeds until they are ready for dispersal.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Identify Canna lilies easily and quickly

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