Canna flaccida aka Bandana Of The Everglades

Canna flaccida is a wetland perennial in the canna family. Common names include golden canna and southern marsh canna. Its native range spans the southeastern United States to Texas. It grows as far north as South Carolina. Wild plants live in marshes, wet grasslands, and pond margins. They also grow beside streams and in wet glades.

Plants grow upright from thick underground rhizomes. Garden height ranges from 3–6 feet [0.91–1.83 metres]. Florida sources describe 4 feet [1.22 metres] as usual. Reports reach 9 feet [2.74 metres] at the extreme. Plants spread 3–4 feet [0.91–1.22 metres] wide. The stems are green and fleshy. Leaves reach 2 feet [0.61 metres] long. They can reach 0.5 feet [0.15 metres] wide. The green to blue-green blades have smooth edges and pointed tips. They spiral around the stem, with bases that wrap it. The leaves have pinnate veins and a thick, leathery feel.

Yellow, fragrant flowers form clusters at the stem tips. Each flower can span 0.25 feet [0.08 metres]. A modified style and three stamens form the showy parts. Flowers open late in the day and fade soon. New blooms extend the display through summer and fall. NC State also lists spring bloom. The fruit forms rough capsules that turn brown when ripe. Each holds several hard, dark seeds. Hummingbirds pollinate the flowers, and bees visit them. The plant can also set seed through self-pollination.

Full sun gives the best growth, though plants tolerate partial shade. They prefer moist or saturated soil and tolerate some drought. Clay, loam, sand, and varied soil pH all suit them. Salt spray and saltwater do not. NC State lists USDA zones 8–11. Plants stay evergreen in the south but become dormant farther north. In colder areas, lift rhizomes and store them indoors. Gardeners can raise plants from seed or divide the rhizomes.

Golden canna suits bogs, rain gardens, and pond edges. Mass plantings give broad foliage and a long flower display. Its rhizomes can spread fast and become weedy. Skipper larvae feed on it; deer and rabbits tend to avoid it. NC State reports few major problems. Florida sources list caterpillars, Japanese beetles, bud rot, and mosaic virus. NC State describes all parts as edible. Flowers serve as salad ingredients, and leaves have uses in tamales.