I'd just pick a few stems and stand in vase (with no water) and see what happens. Even if they turn brown, they still have a nice form with the darker rings. We still have not had any cold weather so will keep an eye on my little patch for any orange coloring. Let us know how your experiment fares. josh

Josh,

Thanks for the response :) I varnished one today and left one untouched to see if it makes any difference. So far, no color changes in either. In reviewing some of our pictures from the area these were in, there are a great variety of colors, including an almost white. The craft possibilities would be great if they can hold their color :)

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:659162}}

I envy you having access to such a large patch...hope the colors do hold up. Every description I've ever read says "weedy, spreads by root and spores, often found along railroad tracks or roadsides". Yet I've never seen growing wild here...ordered mine from an aquatics plants nursery. I just think it is an elegant plant in a pot. Also have a dwarf variety but neither really grow like "weeds" for me...darn it! josh