Family: Amaranthaceae

Celosia argentea (plumed cockscomb, silver cock’s comb) is an annual herb native to India and Nepal. Its edible flowers and leaves are consumed in West and Southeast Africa. It is also used to control the parasitic Striga plant, and can be used in soaps. It is reported to be naturalized pantropically, including on the islands of Maui and Hawaiʻi. It is known as a disturbance and a crop weed. The plant forms dense monocultures and has a high level of tolerance to different soil types. It also has easily dispersed, wind spread seeds that form a persistent seed bank.

High Risk Traits:

• Broad climate suitability
  
• Grows, and able to spread, in regions with tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Hawaii and Maui (Hawaiian Islands) and widely naturalized elsewhere
  
• A disturbance and crop weed
  
• Other Celosia species are invasive
  
• Allelopathic
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Forms dense monocultures
  
• Prolific seed production
  
• Reaches maturity quickly (<1 year)
  
• Dispersed externally, by wind, water and as a seed contaminant, and intentionally cultivated
  
• May form a persistent seed bank (longevity undetermined)
  
• Resprouts after fires, and possibly after cutting

Low Risk Traits:

• Despite weediness, valued as a food crop or ornamental
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Palatable to animals and people
  
• Relatively shade-intolerant
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively
  
• Herbicides may provide effective control