A fasciated shoot, looking like two stems have fused together

Fasciated shoots

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Friday, 8 March 2019 at 3:00 pm

Learn about the growth distortion shoot fasciation in our expert guide.

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The distortion, known as fasciation, is a freak of nature, and often looks like several stems have been fused together. It's a rare phenomenon and does the plant no lasting harm. It can develop on a range of shrubs, flowers and perennials. The cause could be environmental, such as the weather, or a pest attack that causes physical damage to the plant. Some fasciated plants are actually quite attractive and have led to varieties known as cristates. These include forms of ferns, cacti and succulents, such as Sempervivum arachnoideum cristate, and the cockscombe celosia, Celosia argentea var. cristata.

Symptoms

Misshapen and flattened stems, leaves and flowers.

Find it on

delphiniums, forsythias, lilies, primulas and other plants

Organic

In most cases fasciation is temporary, so just enjoy it for its curiosity value. If it offends you, prune out the affected parts. In a few cases genetic mutation is the cause, and the deformity will be permanent.

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