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, Usually Moist
No salt tolerance

AKA: Bandanna-of-the-Everglades, Southern Marsh Canna, Yellow Canna

They bloom from spring to summer with big, showy yellow flowers. If the winter is mild enough, they can be evergreen. They come back from rootstock even after a harsh winter. No need to prune them, though you can hand comb dead foliage out. If you want to divide them, do so in winter or early spring;. Their thick roots allow the plant to send out suckers and colonize wet areas.

They make a great addition to rain gardens and ditch areas; they naturally occur in freshwater marshes, swamps, along ponds, and along lake margins. If there is too much shade, they will fall over. It is a larval host for Brazilian skipper butterfly (Calpodes ethlius). It can self-pollinate but is facilitated by bees, bats, and hummingbirds. (1) The foliage also provides habitat for various wildlife like ducks. Plus, some birds have been seen eating the plant. (2)

The flowers themselves are not long-lasting once cut but can make a nice one-day bouquet. The leaves, however, have a long vase life if used in arrangements and make an attractive addition to arrangements. The seeds of golden canna have been used to make a variety of objects; for example, the Seminoles put the seeds inside turtle shells to make ceremonial rattles. Other objects made from seeds include: jewelry, rosaries, dyes, and toys. (3)

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. (4)