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Copperstem

Flower type: Biennial (Stores water in the thickened base of its stem)

This small flower grows up to 2 inches (5 cm) tall. Its copper stem is thick, and the small, silver or lilac leaves are light green on the underside and are pleated with smooth edges. Many leaves grow along the entire length of the stem.

Dozens of small flowers grow in drooping bunches like grapes. The flowers are 19 cm (7.5 inches) wide, with beige petals and a hazel central disk. The flower head is shaped like a tube made up of dozens of widely spaced, round-tipped petals. They fall easily.

It has a weak scent that smells like pepper, and it has copious amounts of pollen,but it does not cause many allergic reactions. It is a self-pollinator.

The sap is edible and extremely bitter.
It blooms only at night.
It is suitable for making baskets and the like