Silver spinach, Celosia trigyna

Silver spinach is an African native that has been introduced in FL. This one was next to a Wendy's parking lot in Winter Haven. In its homelands it is eaten as a potherb, with the added benefit that it inhibits parasites. The plants get about a meter tall, with wandlike branches lined by these small flowers. I guess the overall effect is somewhat woolly, giving it an alternate name of woolflower. Polk Co FL, 3/17/16. Amaranth family, Amaranthaceae.