Amaranthus hybridus

hybrid pigweed, green pigweed, smooth amaranth, smooth pigweed, slim amaranth, quelite de cochino, quelite morado
Family

Amaranthaceae

Leaf Arrangement

alternate

Leaf Attachment

petiolate

Leaf Margin

entire

Leaf Type

simple

Leaf Shape

lanceolate, ovate, rhombic

Growth Form

forb

Flower Color

green, red

Flower Month

May

Height (meters)

0.5 - 2.6

Milky Sap

No

Armed/Unarmed

Unarmed

Origin

native

Lifespan

annual

Growing Season

Warm season


Prairie Coefficient of Conservatism

0

Cultural Information

Germination is stimulated by light (Engelhardt 1962), however, high germination was obtained with and without light (Maguire and Overland 1959). When planted fresh at a depth of 1/4-1/3" the seed germinates with no problem (Moolani et al 1964). Amaranthus hybridus is very resistant to Round-up herbicide.

Animal Use

An acceptable forage by cattle.

Natural History

A disturbance species found in agricultural fields. Hybridizes readily with other Amaranthus species including cultivated species. The young leaves are edible and may be used as salad or green. The seeds, which are high in protein, are made into flour or gruel. This plant belongs to the same genus as amaranth which was a major source of protein for the Aztecs.

Habitat

A naturalized riverbank pioneer weed.