Question
Hello ViKtoria,
I have a rather unusual plant growing in my garden.  It appears to be a cross between a celosia (the large finger like red ones) and a foxglove.  The stalk of this plant is just like the stalks(wide and flat) of the celosia, except it doesn't have as much red in it as the actual celosia.  I hope I can send you the photo ...because you can see how many buds are on the large flat tip of the plant.  This is not the first time I have had such an aberration in my garden.  Last year, I had a yellow lily that had the very wide celosia stalk, and when it finally bloomed, it had 45 regular sized lilies on it...all clustered as if it was a complete bouquet.  I have also discovered a weed that has the same stalk...among all the other normal weeds.  Do you have any idea what is happening?  They say different families of plants don't cross pollinate (my gardening friends keep telling me that) but what else could it be?  Thank you for participating in this website.  I certainly appreciate your presence and availability.  Sincerely Judy  I can send along a photo of this plant if you would like to see it...just need your email to do so.  Thanks again.

Answer
It appears to me that you are describing a phenomenon called fasciation.  This can happen to any plant.  It is not a mutation because it is not permanent.  The same plant most likely will be perfectly normal next year.

You may send a pic to [email protected] if you wish.  Put "fasciation?" on the subject line.  I do not open e-mails unless I know the source and/or subject (because of risk of viruses).

And thank you for the kind words.