Perennials: Funny looking Black-Eyed Susans, 1 by patienceplus

patienceplus wrote:
The phenomena, "Fasciation" in stems & flower heads occur when multiple buds fuse together and form a flattened stem structure. Here is a link that adds a little more information: http://faculty.ucc.edu/biology-ombrello/pow/fasciated_plants...

Usually, fasciation is a somatic event (in vegetative cells), not a genetic mutation that will be inherited through seeds. However, you could try collecting seeds from the stem and see if any of the offspring look weird.

I have added a NE Buttercup found this Spring (2011) in my horse lot.