Cosmos bipinnatus

Cav.

Asteraceae Edible: Leaves 31,175 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Cosmos bipinnatus, commonly called the garden cosmos, Mexican aster or cosmea, is a medium-sized flowering herbaceous plant in the daisy family Asteraceae, native to the Americas. The species and its varieties and cultivars are popular as ornamental plants in temperate climate gardens.

Description

A herb. It grows 20-200 cm tall. The leaves are 6-11 cm long and divided with sections 3-5 cm wide have final lobes 1.5 mm wide.

This description is brief — help expand it

Edible Uses

None known

Traditional Uses

The young leaves are cooked and eaten.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known

Distribution

It is a tropical plant.

Where It Grows

Asia, Central Asia, China, Korea, Malaysia, North America, SE Asia, Tajikistan, USA,

Cultivation

Succeeds in a sunny sheltered position in most soils but prefers one that is poor and light. A very ornamental plant, the flowers are very attractive to bees. There are many named forms selected for their ornamental value.

Propagation

Sow seed in March in a greenhouse; germination typically occurs in 5–7 days at 20–25°C. Prick seedlings out into individual pots when large enough to handle and plant out in early summer. In areas with hot summers, seed can also be sown in situ in May.

Other Uses

Widely grown as an ornamental plant in temperate gardens. Suitable for use in borders, containers, foundation plantings, massed displays, and as a specimen plant.

Other Information

It is both cultivated and grows wild.

Also Known As

Bunga cetung

References (1)

Ong, H. C., Mojiun, P. F. J., & Milow, P., 2011, Traditional knowledge of edible plants among the Temuan villagers in Kampung Guntor, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. African Journal of Agricultural Research Vol. 6(8), pp. 1962-1965, 18 April, 2011