In the cut flower industry these are known as "green ball Dianthus". I'd never seen them in person until today, and they are very odd. I kept thinking if I stuck a couple of wobbly eyes to it, it would look like a Muppet! I read somewhere that it is a form of Dianthus barbatus, Sweet William. Looks like the inflorescence has mutated into something more leaf like- I couldn't see any actual flower parts (stamens, pistils, etc.).
"...and don't think the garden loses its ecstasy in winter. It's quiet, but the roots are down there riotous." Rumi
How interesting Neal,I've never heard of this type, but then again I am a bit of a hermit these days.Don't think I would ever grow something like that, as I breed carnations and pinks, but can see they have appeal for the cut flower market and definitely something different!
Same here, don't really think I'd want them in the garden, but they do look nice in floral arrangements. When I get pics of the bridal bouquet I'll post some here.
In studying the bloom head, I realized all those green hairy looking parts are something I see on Sweet Williams just before the buds start opening- surrounded the blooms. These seem to have mutated so that those hairs have replaced all the other flower parts. Doesn't look like they could be used for breeding, since there are no anthers or stigmas.
"...and don't think the garden loses its ecstasy in winter. It's quiet, but the roots are down there riotous." Rumi
Name: Leslieray Hurlburt Sacramento California (Zone 9b)
(Dianthus barbatus 'Green Trick') AKA Green Ball is what it is. There a recent Plant ID thread about this oddity. I think I like it but need to see it in person.
Hamilton Square Garden, Historic City Cemetery, Sacramento California.