Canna indica L. - Indian Shot
Family - Cannaceae
Stems:
N/A
Leaves:
Inflorescence:
Bract subtending the flower.
Flowers:
Ovary.
Flowering - May - July.
Habitat - Cultivated and escaped to swamps, marshes, wet ditches.
Origin - Native to tropical America.
Other information - This tall, attractive species is widely cultivated in Alabama and is rarely found escaped. The plant can be identified by its big, sheathing leaves and bright red flowers. Other species and cultivars of Canna have different-colored flowers and double flowers also.
The genus name Canna derives from the Greek "cann(a)" meaning "a reed."
The species epithet indica derives from the Latin "indic" meaning "Indian" referring to the plants origin (the West Indes).
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken off Opelika, AL., 6-3-06.