Cockscomb

Celosia cristata

Flower name
Cockscomb
Scientific name
Celosia cristata
Aliasセロシア, Celosia, 鶏頭
Place of originAsia and Africa
Place of floweringGarden, Cut flowers, flower arrangement, Horticultural species, Potted flower
Flowering seasonJune, July, August, September, October

What is Cockscomb

Birth flowers for Sep 5

September 5th Birth Flower: Cockscomb

Cockscomb (Celosia cristata) is a frost-tender annual (perennial in its native habitat) in the Amaranth family (Amaranthaceae), native to Asia and Africa.
It is also known as Celosia or Karaai (韓藍).

Cockscomb was introduced to Japan as early as the Manyō era through China and Korea, where it was called Karaai (韓藍).
During the Manyō era, not only the red flowers but also the leaves of Cockscomb were used for dyeing.
Dyeing with its red flowers produces a beautiful pink color.
Today, Cockscomb blooms widely in gardens across Japan.

Plant height varies greatly: 15 cm (dwarf varieties), 60–90 cm (native types), up to 100 cm (tall varieties).
The stems are thick, and the leaves are ovate-lanceolate, alternately arranged.

Origin of the Name

The genus name Celosia comes from the Greek word keleos meaning “burning,” referring to the brilliant colors of its flowers.
The species name cristata comes from the Latin crista meaning “comb,” because its inflorescence resembles a rooster’s comb.
The Japanese name “Keitō (鶏頭, rooster’s head)” also derives from its resemblance to a rooster’s comb.

Flower Language (Hanakotoba)
Elegance
Undying Love
Affectation

Types of Celosia
Crested Cockscomb (Celosia argentea var. cristata) – flat inflorescence
Kurume Cockscomb (Celosia cristata 'Kurume keitou') – rounded inflorescence
Plumosa Group (Celosia argentea var. plumosa) – feathery, plume-like forms, also called Feather Cockscomb
Spicata Group (Spiked Cockscomb) – torch- or spear-shaped forms
Wild Cockscomb (Celosia argentea)
Trailing Cockscomb (Amaranthus caudatus) – rope-like inflorescence
Related Plants in Amaranthus (same family, different genus)
Joseph’s Coat (Amaranthus tricolor) – ornamental foliage, also called Ha-Keitō (葉鶏頭)
Amaranthus cruentus – also known as Sugi-mori Keitō

Cockscomb: Annual or Perennial?
In Japan, Cockscomb is grown as an annual, blooming from July to October before withering.
The seeds are collected and sown again between April and June.
In its native regions, it grows as a perennial.

Cockscomb in the Manyōshū
Manyōshū, Book 3, Poem 384
Author: Yamabe no Sukune Akahito

Meaning:
I sowed seeds of Karaai (Cockscomb) in my garden.
Though they withered, I will not give up, and will sow them again.

Botanical Information
Common name: Cockscomb (Keitō)
Scientific name: Celosia cristata
Synonyms: Celosia, Karaai (韓藍)
Classification: Plantae, Angiosperms, Eudicots, Caryophyllales, Amaranthaceae, Celosia
Origin: Southeast Asia to India
Plant height: 15–100 cm (depending on variety)
Leaves: ovate-lanceolate, alternate arrangement
Flowering season: June–October
Inflorescence height: 8–15 cm
Inflorescence width: 4–20 cm
Flower colors: red, yellow, orange, pink, white

Related pages
Cockscomb (Celosia cristata)