Cosmos

Cosmos bipinnatus

Cosmos has colorful flowers that come in pink, white, and purple! They are very cheerful and attract lots of butterflies.

Habitat: Gardens and fields

Appearance

The Cosmos has cheerful, daisy-like flowers with delicate, feathery foliage. Its petals come in vibrant shades of pink, purple, white, and orange, often with a sunny yellow center. The distinct slender petals radiate outwards, making it visually striking.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusCosmos

Cosmos

Interesting facts

Before blooming, Cosmos flower buds nod over, looking sleepy, then perk up to face the sun!

Cosmos can attract beneficial insects like hoverflies, which help protect your garden from pests!

The name 'Cosmos' comes from a Greek word for 'order' or 'harmony' because of its neat petals!

These happy flowers are often called 'cut-and-come-again' because picking them encourages even more blooms!

Special abilities

Cosmos has bright, open flowers that produce abundant nectar, helping it attract bees and butterflies for successful pollination.

Cosmos can thrive in full sun and tolerate dry conditions, which helps it grow strong and healthy in open, sunny spots.

Cosmos produces many seeds that can drop and sprout new plants next year, helping it reproduce easily and spread its population.

Measurements & details

Height: 60-150 cm
Spread: 30-60 cm
Flower Size: 5-10 cm
Bloom Season: Summer to fall
Is Edible: No
Toxicity: None
Lifecycle: Annual
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey bee

Apis mellifera

Visits flowers for nectar and pollen.

pollinates

Monarch butterfly

Danaus plexippus

Feeds on nectar, helping spread pollen.

pollinates

Common Eastern bumblebee

Bombus impatiens

Collects pollen and nectar from blooms.

Traits

Annual

Discover plants that complete their whole life story, from a tiny seed to making new seeds, all within a single growing season! Then, they gracefully finish their cycle.

Summer Blooming

Enjoy the sunny days with these vibrant plants that show off their stunning flowers all through the warmest months, adding color to the long summer days.

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!

Colorful

Discover amazing plants and animals that show off a dazzling array of bright and beautiful hues! They use their vibrant colors to attract attention or send signals.

Grassland

These wide-open spaces are covered in grasses, often home to grazing animals and incredible predators! Experience the vastness of the plains.

Pollinator Magnet

Discover plants that are irresistible to our pollinator friends! These beauties are super attractive to bees, butterflies, and other helpful creatures, creating a buzzing hub of activity.