Fauna
Plant

Quail Grass

Celosia argentea

Also known as Plumed Cockscomb, Silver Cockscomb, Lagos Spinach, Feather Cockscomb

Quail grass produces dense, feathery spikes of tiny flowers that range from silver-white to vibrant crimson. Native to tropical Africa, this fast-growing annual thrives in sunny, disturbed soils, spreading rapidly via thousands of small black seeds dispersed by wind and rain. Cultivated globally as a striking garden ornamental and historically grown in West Africa as a leafy vegetable, wild populations frequently colonize agricultural land and roadsides.

AnnualColorfulFlowering
Quail Grass reference1 / 7
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyPhotosynthetic
Predators
  • Caterpillars
  • Aphids
  • Grasshoppers
ThreatsAgricultural weed control measures
HabitatsTropical grasslands, agricultural fields, waste ground, disturbed soils
Life spanAnnual
Classification
  1. OrderCaryophyllales
  2. FamilyAmaranthaceae
  3. GenusCelosia
  4. SpeciesCelosia argentea
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Spotting: Look for brilliant silver-pink to magenta plumes standing above lance-shaped foliage in open, sunlit areas.
  • Floral Displays: Harvest flower spikes just as they open for long-lasting fresh or dried floral arrangements.
Related species
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