Canna Lily

Canna generalis Bailey

Canna Lilies have large, colorful flowers that look like they are waving hello! They are perfect for brightening up gardens during the summer.

Habitat: Gardens and marshy areas

Appearance

The Canna Lily has large, paddle-shaped leaves that can be bright green, bronze, or striped, making it stand out in any garden. Its vibrant flowers, often red, orange, yellow, or pink, emerge on tall stalks, displaying an exotic and tropical flair.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderZingiberalesFamilyCannaceaeGenusCanna

Canna Lily

Interesting facts

Canna Lilies can help clean water, soaking up pollutants from wetland areas.

Canna Lily seeds are so hard, they've been used as beads and even shotgun pellets!

Their rhizomes are edible, tasting a bit like sweet potatoes when cooked!

These plants are related to bananas and ginger, sharing a tropical family tree.

Special abilities

Canna Lily has thick, starchy rhizomes underground that store food, helping it survive cold winters or dry spells.

Canna Lily can produce bright, trumpet-shaped flowers that are perfectly shaped to attract hummingbirds for pollination.

Canna Lily has very large leaves that efficiently capture sunlight, helping it make lots of energy through photosynthesis.

Measurements & details

Height: 100-300 cm
Spread: 30-100 cm
Flower Size: 5-10 cm
Bloom Season: Summer-fall
Is Edible: Yes
Toxicity: None
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Bird

Ecological connections

pollinates

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Archilochus colubris

Feeds on nectar, aiding reproduction.

pollinates

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Papilio glaucus

Adult butterflies drink nectar.

eats

Wild Boar

Sus scrofa

May dig up and consume rhizomes.

Traits

Flowering

These are the plants that produce beautiful blossoms, attracting pollinators and adding splashes of color to our world. Each flower is a tiny marvel!

Broadleaf Tree

Discover magnificent trees that have wide, flat leaves, unlike the needles of pine trees! These are often the trees that change colors beautifully in autumn.

Evergreen

These wonderful plants keep their leaves or needles all year round, providing beautiful green scenery even in the chilliest months. They stay green forever!

Fragrant Flower

Discover flowers that release delightful scents into the air, enchanting our senses and attracting helpful insects. Take a moment to enjoy their sweet perfume!

Wetland

These fascinating areas are covered by water for at least part of the year, creating a perfect home for unique plants and animals, like marshes and swamps.