A friend of mine called me this morning wanting help for her sister who is trying to find a plant. She lives in upstate NY and says the stores always have this particular plant, but she can't find any now. The description was: "It's kind of tall and the flowers look like a dandelion that's gone to seed." Um, so how tall is "tall?" She didn't say. What color are the flowers? Oh, different colors. And she "thinks" it's an annual. Sigh. Anyone got any thoughts on a popular plant in that area that fits this vague description? Feel free to say "you're out of your mind."

Allium

That does sound possible. Are there annual alliums?

Allium was my first thought also. I sent her a link to our DB entry, but haven't heard back yet. I was just wondering if anyone who lived in that general area might have some other ideas. From the sound of it, it would probably be something you'd see in the big box stores.

Maybe someone from NY will chime in. Just a guess from me. That would be something you'd buy in the big box stores for sure.

Really? I've never seen them around here. Thanks! That helps.

celosia?

hey what's that ornamental grass with the funny head like that?

pampas grass

astible

Hey, those are plumes, not puff-balls! Sheesh! Some people just can't be serious....

plumes sound like astilbe. Our 'Fanal' has been in bloom.

Globe Amaranth, perhaps?

Strawflower?

Annual aster?

Centaurea?

...and one might not usually consider it tall, but maybe Ageratum?

African Marigold?


Grasping at straws here....

strawflowers.. didn't think of that one

Hey, globe amaranth sounds like a good possibility! Grump, still waiting to hear back, so it's obviously not a BIG deal. grump.

fireweed?

Well, at this point, I have no idea. I'm still waiting to hear back from the person who asked me for suggestions in the first place. She was supposed to get me more details, but so far no word. So for now, I guess I'll just have to wait. But it's fun getting all these ideas! Thanks, all!