All species are between three and eight feet in height when in bloom, and between two and four feet wide. All species except C. japonica have small leaves on the flower stems.
Foliage varies from almost fernlike to bold and coarse.
Inflorescences are distinguished by number of pistils, from 1-8, which are either stalked or sessile. Small individual flowers are apetalous, and petaloid sepals drop quickly, with numerous stains remaining to present the visual impact. In spite of their height, flower stalks are strong and staking is seldom necessary. Spent flower stalks are considered ornamental in the garden. Number of species Possibly twelve or thirteen.