The young leaves and seeds are edible, and were used for food by many Native American tribes. (Amaranthus retroflexus), smooth pigweed (Amaranthus hybridus), and common waterhemp (Amaranthus rudis). of Georgia, Bugwood.org. Leaves are mostly long and lance-shaped. Also covers those considered historical (not seen Amaranthus retroflexus, a dicot, is an annual herb that is not native to California; it has been naturalized in the wild. NH, donations to help keep this site free and up to date for View abstract. There are often additional dense clusters of flowers in the axils of upper leaves. The central stem is stout, rounded, veined and covered with white hairs. state. Leaves are 0.8 to 3.9 inches long. Levels may b. Young leaves may be eaten raw or cooked. Abstract. Ground seeds can be used as a cereal. It has an erect stem, 1 to 6.6 feet tall, that is commonly freely branched. L. N. red-rooted amaranth. All Characteristics, the sepals are pressed against the corolla, or jutting stiffly upward, the sepals are slightly curved outwards from the corolla, the sepal outline is lanceolate (lance-shaped; narrow, gradually tapering from the base to the tip), the sepal outline is obovate (egg-shaped, but with the widest point above the middle of the leaf blade), the sepal outline is spatulate (roughly spoon-shaped; narrow near the base, suddenly widening to a rounded tip), the fruit is ellipsoid (widest in the middle and tapering to each end), the fruit is obovoid (egg-shaped, but with the widest point above the middle), the bracteole margins are entire (without teeth, lobes or hairs), the plant has bracteoles between the primary bracts and the flowers, the base of the leaf blade is cuneate (wedge-shaped, tapers to the base with relatively straight, converging edges), or narrow, the leaf blade is ovate (widest below the middle and broadly tapering at both ends), the leaf blade is rhombic (roughly diamond-shaped), the edge of the leaf blade is entire (has no teeth or lobes), the leaf blade margin is wavy, but does not have teeth, the tip of the leaf blade is acute (sharply pointed), the tip of the leaf blade is obtuse (bluntly pointed). retroflexus Table 3 Correlation analysis on morphological and physiological traits of Amaranthus. Naturf. BASIONYM: Amaranthus retroflexus Linnaeus 1753. The seeds are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. It tolerates soil pH from 4.2 to 9.1 (Feltner, 1970), but is less common on acid soils, such as those of the south-eastern … Each leaf base is rounded, the tip can be acute, obtuse, emarginate, or rounded.. Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics: Deciduous Leaf Color: Green Red/Burgundy Leaf Feel: Smooth Leaf Value To Gardener: Edible Leaf Type: Simple Leaf Arrangement: Alternate Leaf Shape: Cordate Elliptical Ovate Rhomboidal Leaf Margin: Entire Undulate Hairs Present: Yes Leaf Length: 3-6 inches Leaf Width: 3-6 inches Leaf Description: - It is distinguished from green pigweed by somewhat dull colour of its leaves, dense covering of short hair on upper stem, thick, coarse bristly terminal panicle with uppermost central spike- the uppermost central spike (a) extends only a short distance above the rest of the panicle, and by two features requiring magnification to see: the sepals of each flower are broader above the middle and rounded or somewhat flattened at their tips, and its male flowers usually have 5 stamens each.- It is distinguished from Tumbl… This variety of pigweed is different in appearance than other common weeds in the same family. Inflorescences are usually densely crowded. Solothurn 6: 26. The tips of the leaves are pointed or sometimes slightly notched. A reddish-colored stem and taproot give this weed its common name. Noteworthy Characteristics. If you want to grow amaranth as a grain Amaranthus retroflexus is a good option. Native Plant Trust or respective copyright holders. Brown. Amaranthus retroflexus - L. Summary. Read our Commitment to Diversity | Read our Privacy Statement. Can you please help us? The stout, hairy stem can grow up to 6 1/2 feet in height. Habitat terrestrial ... Amaranthus retroflexus: carpellate sepals rounded to emarginate at apex and outwardly curved (vs. A. hybridus, with carpellate sepals acute to subacute at apex and erect). Amaranthus retroflexus, true to one of its common names, forms a tumbleweed. Amaranthus retroflexus L. Facts. J Integr Med. However, it can be identified by its shorter and stouter growth habit. Pigweed is a multi-stemmed summer annual in the Amaranth family. 2b), and Powell amaranth (Fig. The fruit is a utricle. Stiff, prickly seed clusters form at ends of stems. 2c) … Wats.). Physical Characteristics. All rights reserved. FACU). 3 vols. in part by the National Science Foundation. This plant is now found nearly worldwide as an introduced plant. As many as 117,000 seeds can be produced per plant. the state. Its invasiveness causes yield loss in many vegetable row crops. Top of page A. retroflexus is found on a wide variety of soil types and textures. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status. Nitrate accumulated at lower N a in A. retroflexus than C. album. County documented: documented Discover thousands of New England plants. All too often, the amaranths are all called “pigweed” and not identified properly by species. The seeds may be eaten raw, or toasted. to exist in the state, but not documented to a county within Below are some identifying characteristics to help you when making your decision. The alternate leaves are ovate with wavy margins. Pigweeds thrive in hot weather, tolerate drought, respond to high l… • Take a photo and Identifying Characteristics: Seed: ovate, slightly flattened seed; oily, shiny appearance; dark brownish red to black in color; slightly notched at hilum Seedling: softly pubescent stem and leaves; egg-shaped, alternate leaves; tip of leaf notched slightly CT, MA, ME, Some amaranth species are cultivated as leaf vegetables, pseudocereals, and ornamental plants.Most of the Amaranthus species are summer annual weeds and are commonly referred to as pigweeds. Abstract. Characteristics. 1920. The populations in northwest Indiana were misidentified as waterhemp for Considered a weed, it can be found growing in wastelands, prairies, fallow fields, farm lots, gravelly areas, and cultivated fields. The young leaves are also edible. Found this plant? The seeds may be eaten, raw or cooked, ground into a flour, or sprouted. Redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus) is an introduced annual in amaranth family (Amaranthaceae). Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b. The leaves are nearly 15 cm (5.9 in) long on large individuals, the ones higher on the stem having a lance shape and those lower on the plant diamond or oval in shape. Go Botany: Native Plant Trust BASIONYM: Amaranthus retroflexus Linnaeus, var. One glossy black to dark reddish brown seed is revealed when the bladder-like capsule splits, circumferentially, at maturity. Redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus) Redroot pigweed is characterized by it's red tap root (usually present at the seedling stage of development), from which the plant gets it's name. Most pigweeds are tall, erect-to-bushy plants with simple, oval- to diamond-shaped, alternate leaves, and dense inflorescences (flower clusters) comprised of many small, greenish flowers. Your help is appreciated. Redroot pigweed (Figs. Red-rooted amaranth is native to North America and introduced nearly worldwide. They are sometimes ground into a powder and eaten as a substitute for cereal. Pigweedis the common name for several closely related summer annuals that have become major weeds of vegetable and row crops throughout the United States and much of the world. Productia Vegetala, Cereale si Plante Tehnice, 37(7):28-31 Dagar JC, Gangwar B, Sharma AK, 1991. 1 and 2a), smooth pigweed (Fig. It is widely distributed in cultivated soils, gardens, cattle lots, and waste areas. populations both exist in a county, only native status The minimum temperature for seed germination was > 5 C; maximum germination occurred between 35 and 40 C. The leaves are smaller in the upper portion of the central stem. Exact status definitions can vary from state to you. It grows 2 to 3 feet tall and the lower stems are red or red-streaked with the color continuing down the taproot. Also covers RI, Characteristics. State documented: documented Amaranthus L. is genus of C4 dicotyledonous herbaceous plants comprising approximately 70 species, with three subgenera, which contains both cultivated and wild types, where cultivated ones are used for food grains, leafy vegetables, potential forages and ornamentals. to exist in the county by redroot pigweed Alias: carelessweed, common amaranth, green amaranth, redroot, rough pigweed, wild beet Amaranthus retroflexus . They can also be sprouted. High oxalate ingestion can result in kidney failure. Seeds are eaten raw or cooked. Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Amaranthus retroflexus is a ANNUAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft). NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to Usually occurs in non- wetlands, but occasionally in wetlands . Copyright: various copyright holders. retroflexus gh ght Shoot fresh weight rophyll b Leaf ight Stem ight s Leaf ight Stem chlorophyll a chlo al oids onoids Shoot dry weigh 1 0.84** 0.76* 0.80** 0.81** 0.87** 0.49ns 0.55 ns 0.56 ns 0.61 ns -0.40 ns Amaranthus caudatus commonly called love-lies-bleeding or tassel flower, gets its unusual common name from its tiny blood red petalless flowers that bloom in narrow, drooping, tassel-like, terminal and axillary panicles throughout the growing season. Note: when native and non-native Pigweeds accumulate nitrates, which can lead to nitrate poisoning in grazing animals such as horses and ruminants. Flowers clustered in spikes on panicles. is shown on the map. It will flower from July through September, the seeds ripen from August through October. evidence (herbarium specimen, photograph). Although portions of this plant are edible, ingestion is detrimental to pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, and horses. The resemblance is especially strong during the seedling stages of growth. It is native to the tropical Americas, but is widespread as an introduced species on most continents in a great number of habitats. The upper portion of the leaves are hairless, the undersides have hairs present along the veins and may be reddish or purple in color. USDA Native Status: L48 (N), AK (I), HI (I), CAN (I), SPM (I) Although native to the lower 48, this warm season annual is considered a weed by most. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. Amaranth is classified as a pseudocereal, meaning that it’s not technically a cereal grain like wheat or oats, but it shares a comparable set of nutrients and is used in similar ways. From the Image Gallery Britton, N.L., and A. The margins of the leaves are smooth. Several common garden insect pests eat pigweed, so some gardeners allow a few plants to remain among vegetables, and then pull them out before they develop seeds. In New England it is mainly found... Habitat. The three species are discussed together because they are difficult to distinguish from one another in the field, have similar life cycles and habits of growth, and present similar management challenges in crop production. It grows unbranched or with minimal branches. Amaranthus is a cosmopolitan genus of annual or short-lived perennial plants collectively known as amaranths. For details, please check with your state. The plant is monoecious, with individuals bearing both male and fe… Amaranthus retroflexus L. var. Wild pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.), field pigweed (Amaranthus hybridus L.) and creeping pigweed (Amaranthus blitoides S. Amaranthus plants have inflorescences and foliage with different colors, ranging from purple to red and gold. The stems are reddish near the base of the plant. in 20 years). Amaranthus roxburghianus root extract in combination with piperine as a potential treatment of ulcerative colitis in mice. Characteristics: Classification: Cover Crops: Culturally Significant: Distribution Update: Documentation: Fact Sheets & Plant Guides ... Amaranthus retroflexus L. – redroot amaranth Subordinate Taxa. Numerous, small, green monoecious flowers with prominent bracts that are longer than their tepals. The effect of applied nitrogen (N) on the growth, leaf expansion rate, biomass partitioning and leaf N levels of Chenopodium album (C 3) and Amaranthus retroflexus (C 4) were investigated.At a given applied N level, C. album had 50% greater leaf N per unit area (N a) than A. retroflexus. Germination and establishment of Amaranthus retroflexus were studied at different temperatures, planting depths, soil types, nitrogen supply, and water potentials. 2013;11(3):206-12. Rough pigweed has a taproot that can grow 3.9 to 95 inches … Amaranthus. a sighting. Ges. Identifying Characteristics Plants that resemble most other pigweed species but with pairs of spines at the base of the leaf petiole and the central stem. The Go Botany project is supported Habitats. Pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus) is often called redroot pigweed because of its pinkish red root.A warm-weather annual most common where summers are hot, pigweed seeds sprout in late spring or early summer. (Wetland indicator code: Amaranthus retroflexus forma rubricaulis Amaranthus retroflexus Linnaeus, forma rubricaulis (Thellung) Thellung ex Probst, Mitt. Sprouts can be added to salads. Wetland Status. Amaranthus retroflexus is an annual, herbaceous weed. Amaranthus retroflexus var. The leaves are alternate on the stem, long-stalked, and range from dull green to shiny or reddish green. To reuse an Redroot pigweed develops a deep, thick taproot often pink in color (hence the name). SPECIES: Amaranthus retroflexus GENERAL BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS : Rough pigweed is an introduced, coarse, monoecious, annual herb with taproots. Nitrate poisoning in horses and ruminants is characterized by a bluish cast to the mucous membranes, respiratory distress, weakness and trembling. rubricaulis Thellung 1914. Robert Vidéki, Doronicum Kft., Bugwood.org, Steve Dewey, Utah State Univ., Bugwood.org, Phil Westra, Colorado State Univ., Bugwood.org, Doug Doohan, Ohio State Univ./OARDC, Bugwood.org, Lynn Sosnoskie, Univ. 15.  Redroot pigweed, smooth pigweed, and Powell amaranth are three closely-related amaranths that have become serious cropland weeds throughout the United States and into southern Canada. Show It is hardy to zone (UK) 4 and is... Synonyms. Catkin-like cymes of densely packed flowers grow in summer or autumn. This is an erect, annual herb reaching a maximum height near 3 m (9.8 ft). It has an erect stem, 1 to 6.6 feet (0.3-2 m) tall, that is commonly freely branched. 1913. Toxicity and Risk Factors. All images and text © Amaranth is generally cultivated in arid zones where commercial crops cannot be grown. N.C. It grows particularly well in fertile soils and has a high N requirement. The leaf blade is oval to diamond-shaped, but is usually broader at the base. those considered historical (not seen in 20 years). post Amaranthus retroflexus The leaves are hairy on the lower surface, along the prominent veins. In New England it is mainly found in human-disturbed, sandy soils. unintentionally); has become naturalized. The effect of leaf nitrogen (N) on the photosynthetic capacity and the light and temperature response of photosynthesis was studied in the ecologically similar annuals Chenopodium album (C 3) and Amaranthus retroflexus (C 4).Photosynthesis was linearly dependent on leaf N per unit area (N a) in both species. This plant has no children Legal Status. Other common names for redroot pigweed include redroot amaranth, careless weed, and rough pigweed. Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems:  Plant damaging insects are not attracted to this plant. Panicles typically hang straight down to 12” (infrequently to 24”) long. We depend on VT. Gardens, fields, roadsides, waste areas, disturbed sandy soils, sandy shorelines. Anthropogenic (man-made or disturbed habitats), meadows and fields, shores of rivers or lakes, Usually occurs in non-wetlands, but occasionally in wetlands. salicifolius I.M. Johnston 2020 Red-rooted amaranth is native to North America and introduced nearly worldwide. Non-native: introduced rubricaulis It is a dicotyledonous plant and is also considered a pseudocereal because of its properties and characteristics (Breene, 1991). (intentionally or They emerge, grow, flower, set seed, and die within the frost-free growing season. image, please click it to see who you will need to contact. form a strategic partnership called N.C. A food source for birds, butterflies, moths, insects and small mammals.