Golden Canna

Canna flaccida

Size: 1g availability

Flower
Max size: 6’ tall x 4’ wide
Average size: 4′ tall x 4′ wide

Clay, Loam, Muck, Sand
Sun, Part Shade
Aquatic, Very Moist, Occasional Moist
No salt tolerance

Golden Cannas bloom from spring to summer with yellow flowers. If the winter is mild enough, they can be evergreen. They do not need pruned, but can be divided and will aggressively send out suckers and colonize wet areas. They make a great addition to rain gardens and ditch areas. If there is too much shade, they will fall over. The flowers themselves are not long-lasting once cut, however, the leaves have a long vase life if used in arrangements. It is a larval host for Brazilian skipper butterfly (Calpodes ethlius). It can self-pollinate but is facilitated by bees, bats, and hummingbirds.

The edible roots do not store well, so its best to leave them in the ground until you intend to use them. They can be eaten raw, or boiled, but is best when baked with the skins un-peeled. Slow roast them for at least 12 hours, and then open them to scoop out the starch and use it similarly to arrowroot. The starch can also be used to make alcohol. The stem can be used to make a multipurpose fiber.