Botanic Garden >> Gardening > >> Question and Answer >> About Gardening

Fasciation: Flattened Stems in Lilies and Fantail Willow

Q: My 'Sterling Star' lily has a 1-inch-wide flat stem with loads of buds. What causes this? Will it recur?

Q: I saw fantail willow at a flower show. Where can I get it?

Flattened stems are called fasciation, caused by bacteria or genetic abnormalities. Hard to predict recurrence—grow it and see.

Fantail willow is Salix sachalinensis 'Sekka'; almost all limbs are flattened. Try rooting fresh florist cuttings or buy from Forestfarm (www.forestfarm.com).

Fasciated lily

About Gardening: Petunia Sticky Stems: Natural Defense, Not Pest Problem; Rooting a Twisted Willow from a Funeral Bouquet Twig; Hybrid Willow Black Canker: Act Fast or Remove the Tree; Air Layering Techniques: V-Notch, Banding, and Angled Cuts for Root Formation; Identifying and Controlling Dollarweed in Florida Lawns; Fascinating Fasciation: When Coneflowers Develop Flattened Stems and Fused Blooms; Hosta Crown Rot (Southern Blight): Diagnosis and the Surprising Cause; Rooting Lady Banks Rose: Soil Layering Is Easiest; Fantail Willow: Fascinating Flattened Stems, Easy to Root or Buy; Pruning Pussy Willow for Accessible Spring Catkins

Garden Articles

Weeping Willow with No Leaves: Time to Say Goodbye

Pruning a Mature Pussy Willow for Size and Catkins

Reviving African Violets with Exposed Stems

Replacing Willow Oak: Red Maple, Red Oak, River Birch, Beech

Growing Pussy Willow in Georgia: A Short-Lived Endeavor

African Violet “Neck”: Repot Every Six Months to Cover Bare Stem

Giant Willow Aphid Control on Large Trees

Plants

Willow Air Roots: Harmless and Temporary

Tomato Stem Roots and Yellow Leaves: Adventitious Roots and Disease

Jade Plant Adventitious Roots: Easy Propagation

Nishiki Willow in Georgia: Hardy but Disease-Prone

Pruning Orchids After Bloom: Cut Spike at Base for Rebloom

Small Holes in Rose Canes? Likely Leafcutter or Carpenter Bees

Weeping Willow Site Selection: Wet Tolerance vs. Short Lifespan