Canna flaccida: The Native Golden Canna

The Bandana of the Everglades

Canna flaccida, known as Bandana of the Everglades or Golden Canna, is a native North American canna species found in wetlands from South Carolina to Texas. Its clear yellow flowers and graceful habit distinguish it from the hybrid garden cannas.

Botanical Profile

Native Wetland Beauty

This perennial grows 3-5 feet tall with green, paddle-shaped leaves. The flowers are a pure, clear yellow, 3-4 inches across, held in open clusters—more delicate than the heavy hybrid cannas. Blooms from late spring through summer. It's adapted to wet soils and seasonal flooding, making it ideal for water gardens and rain gardens.

Golden Canna thrives in full sun to partial shade with consistently moist to wet soil. It's perfect for pond margins, bog gardens, and wetland restoration. Hardy in zones 7-10. In garden settings, provide ample water. The rhizomes spread moderately—less aggressive than some hybrids.

Ecological & Garden Value

A valuable native for wetland gardens, supporting pollinators and providing habitat. The seeds are eaten by birds. Use in rain gardens, pond edges, and naturalistic wetland plantings. Its graceful, lighter habit blends beautifully with native iris, hibiscus, and grasses. A piece of American botanical heritage for the water garden.