Branscomb’s Brilliant Ornamental Corn is a striking, multi-colored corn selected for beauty and abundance. The population traces back to seed assembled in the 1970s by Donald Branscomb of Clearlake, California, from corn purchased at a roadside market in Fresno. While the original USDA accession retains a legacy name, we offer this variety under a new name that preserves its documented history without perpetuating outdated terminology. Plants averaged 7–8 feet tall and showed some natural variation, with roughly a quarter of the plants exhibiting deep purple stalks and others showing purple glumes. Tassels were large and productive, and yields were consistently good across the planting. Ears were well filled with a mix of glossy and lightly floury kernels in warm shades of black, red, orange, bronze, and occasional white—an especially rich and harmonious color range. This variety makes a stunning fall decoration, with rich, autumn-inspired colors that hold well on the ear. Beyond ornamental use, the kernels are also well suited to grinding for cornmeal and grits, offering both visual appeal and practical value. When the season was over, our chickens made quick work of the leftovers, finding it just as satisfying as we did. All-in-all a practical and beautiful ornamental corn variety. Matures approximately 115 days after sowing. Each packet contains a minimum of 50 seeds. Seed stock generously provided by the National Genetic Resources Program. PI 708638
