For details, please check with your state. Toxicity and Risk Factors. Amaranthus retroflexus - L. Summary. The populations in northwest Indiana were misidentified as waterhemp for Noteworthy Characteristics. Amaranthus plants have inflorescences and foliage with different colors, ranging from purple to red and gold. Flowers clustered in spikes on panicles. Copyright: various copyright holders. SPECIES: Amaranthus retroflexus GENERAL BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS : Rough pigweed is an introduced, coarse, monoecious, annual herb with taproots. They are sometimes ground into a powder and eaten as a substitute for cereal. They can also be sprouted. Red-rooted amaranth is native to North America and introduced nearly worldwide. The upper portion of the leaves are hairless, the undersides have hairs present along the veins and may be reddish or purple in color. N.C. Go Botany: Native Plant Trust 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. 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. The alternate leaves are ovate with wavy margins. Wild pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.), field pigweed (Amaranthus hybridus L.) and creeping pigweed (Amaranthus blitoides S. One glossy black to dark reddish brown seed is revealed when the bladder-like capsule splits, circumferentially, at maturity. Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. salicifolius I.M. Johnston Amaranthus retroflexus is an annual, herbaceous weed. (Amaranthus retroflexus), smooth pigweed (Amaranthus hybridus), and common waterhemp (Amaranthus rudis). - 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… There are often additional dense clusters of flowers in the axils of upper leaves. rubricaulis Thellung 1914. Amaranthus. The young leaves and seeds are edible, and were used for food by many Native American tribes. Can you please help us? State documented: documented 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. Amaranthus retroflexus is a ANNUAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft). Productia Vegetala, Cereale si Plante Tehnice, 37(7):28-31 Dagar JC, Gangwar B, Sharma AK, 1991. 15.  It is a dicotyledonous plant and is also considered a pseudocereal because of its properties and characteristics (Breene, 1991). Habitats. RI, To reuse an Native Plant Trust or respective copyright holders. 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. Sprouts can be added to salads. Amaranthus retroflexus L. var. Germination and establishment of Amaranthus retroflexus were studied at different temperatures, planting depths, soil types, nitrogen supply, and water potentials. Wats.). 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. 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. As many as 117,000 seeds can be produced per plant. 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. 2c) … Read our Commitment to Diversity | Read our Privacy Statement. Top of page A. retroflexus is found on a wide variety of soil types and textures. The minimum temperature for seed germination was > 5 C; maximum germination occurred between 35 and 40 C. 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. 1 and 2a), smooth pigweed (Fig. BASIONYM: Amaranthus retroflexus Linnaeus, var. 3 vols. Ges. Exact status definitions can vary from state to A reddish-colored stem and taproot give this weed its common name. The margins of the leaves are smooth. The tips of the leaves are pointed or sometimes slightly notched. of Georgia, Bugwood.org. 2020 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. Considered a weed, it can be found growing in wastelands, prairies, fallow fields, farm lots, gravelly areas, and cultivated fields. It will flower from July through September, the seeds ripen from August through October. to exist in the state, but not documented to a county within Abstract. The plant is monoecious, with individuals bearing both male and fe… The central stem is stout, rounded, veined and covered with white hairs. Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems:  Plant damaging insects are not attracted to this plant. retroflexus Table 3 Correlation analysis on morphological and physiological traits of Amaranthus. In New England it is mainly found in human-disturbed, sandy soils. Amaranthus retroflexus, true to one of its common names, forms a tumbleweed. Each leaf base is rounded, the tip can be acute, obtuse, emarginate, or rounded.. 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. 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. donations to help keep this site free and up to date for Amaranthus roxburghianus root extract in combination with piperine as a potential treatment of ulcerative colitis in mice. The resemblance is especially strong during the seedling stages of growth. This is an erect, annual herb reaching a maximum height near 3 m (9.8 ft). Characteristics. Take a photo and An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. CT, MA, ME, 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. 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. It grows unbranched or with minimal branches. VT. Gardens, fields, roadsides, waste areas, disturbed sandy soils, sandy shorelines. Inflorescences are usually densely crowded. It is native to the tropical Americas, but is widespread as an introduced species on most continents in a great number of habitats. Amaranthus retroflexus L. Facts. All rights reserved. Also covers This variety of pigweed is different in appearance than other common weeds in the same family. Red-rooted amaranth is native to North America and introduced nearly worldwide. Amaranthus is a cosmopolitan genus of annual or short-lived perennial plants collectively known as amaranths. The Go Botany project is supported Usually occurs in non- wetlands, but occasionally in wetlands . A food source for birds, butterflies, moths, insects and small mammals. Solothurn 6: 26. 1913. in part by the National Science Foundation. All images and text © the state. Anthropogenic (man-made or disturbed habitats), meadows and fields, shores of rivers or lakes, Usually occurs in non-wetlands, but occasionally in wetlands. The young leaves are also edible. However, it can be identified by its shorter and stouter growth habit. NH, Also covers those considered historical (not seen Pigweeds thrive in hot weather, tolerate drought, respond to high l… Amaranthus retroflexus evidence (herbarium specimen, photograph). Physical Characteristics. All too often, the amaranths are all called “pigweed” and not identified properly by species. in 20 years). state. It has an erect stem, 1 to 6.6 feet tall, that is commonly freely branched. Discover thousands of New England plants. Note: when native and non-native In New England it is mainly found... Habitat. 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 … 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 Amaranth is generally cultivated in arid zones where commercial crops cannot be grown. 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 post Nitrate poisoning in horses and ruminants is characterized by a bluish cast to the mucous membranes, respiratory distress, weakness and trembling. Panicles typically hang straight down to 12” (infrequently to 24”) long. County documented: documented Redroot pigweed develops a deep, thick taproot often pink in color (hence the name). 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. This plant is now found nearly worldwide as an introduced plant. FACU). Catkin-like cymes of densely packed flowers grow in summer or autumn. Amaranthus retroflexus forma rubricaulis Amaranthus retroflexus Linnaeus, forma rubricaulis (Thellung) Thellung ex Probst, Mitt. Below are some identifying characteristics to help you when making your decision. The leaves are alternate on the stem, long-stalked, and range from dull green to shiny or reddish green. They emerge, grow, flower, set seed, and die within the frost-free growing season. Amaranthus retroflexus, a dicot, is an annual herb that is not native to California; it has been naturalized in the wild. 1920. It is hardy to zone (UK) 4 and is... Synonyms. Rough pigweed has a taproot that can grow 3.9 to 95 inches … Its invasiveness causes yield loss in many vegetable row crops. 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. Wetland Status. NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to Non-native: introduced 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). 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. you. is shown on the map. Leaves are 0.8 to 3.9 inches long. Redroot pigweed (Figs. (intentionally or View abstract. High oxalate ingestion can result in kidney failure. Brown. Stiff, prickly seed clusters form at ends of stems. The seeds are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. Young leaves may be eaten raw or cooked. BASIONYM: Amaranthus retroflexus Linnaeus 1753. Naturf. The stems are reddish near the base of the plant. The seeds may be eaten, raw or cooked, ground into a flour, or sprouted. to exist in the county by The stout, hairy stem can grow up to 6 1/2 feet in height. Other common names for redroot pigweed include redroot amaranth, careless weed, and rough pigweed. unintentionally); has become naturalized. (Wetland indicator code: Found this plant? Nitrate accumulated at lower N a in A. retroflexus than C. album. J Integr Med. The leaves are smaller in the upper portion of the central stem. • rubricaulis It has an erect stem, 1 to 6.6 feet (0.3-2 m) tall, that is commonly freely branched. Numerous, small, green monoecious flowers with prominent bracts that are longer than their tepals. Ground seeds can be used as a cereal. 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. 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: populations both exist in a county, only native status Abstract. L. N. red-rooted amaranth. The leaves are hairy on the lower surface, along the prominent veins. Characteristics. Show We depend on The seeds may be eaten raw, or toasted. Levels may b. image, please click it to see who you will need to contact. Leaves are mostly long and lance-shaped. If you want to grow amaranth as a grain Amaranthus retroflexus is a good option. 2b), and Powell amaranth (Fig. Seeds are eaten raw or cooked. It grows 2 to 3 feet tall and the lower stems are red or red-streaked with the color continuing down the taproot. Pigweeds accumulate nitrates, which can lead to nitrate poisoning in grazing animals such as horses and ruminants. Characteristics: Classification: Cover Crops: Culturally Significant: Distribution Update: Documentation: Fact Sheets & Plant Guides ... Amaranthus retroflexus L. – redroot amaranth Subordinate Taxa. The fruit is a utricle. a sighting. This plant has no children Legal Status. 2013;11(3):206-12. those considered historical (not seen in 20 years). Although portions of this plant are edible, ingestion is detrimental to pigs, cattle, sheep, goats, and horses. 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. Redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus) is an introduced annual in amaranth family (Amaranthaceae). Amaranthus retroflexus var. 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. 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. form a strategic partnership called N.C. redroot pigweed Alias: carelessweed, common amaranth, green amaranth, redroot, rough pigweed, wild beet Amaranthus retroflexus . 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). Britton, N.L., and A. Your help is appreciated. From the Image Gallery Pigweed is a multi-stemmed summer annual in the Amaranth family. It is widely distributed in cultivated soils, gardens, cattle lots, and waste areas.