How to identify Purple amaranth (Amaranthus blitum)

How to identify Purple amaranth (Amaranthus blitum)

Purple amaranth, also known as Pigweed, Wild blite, Slender amaranth

Purple amaranth is distinguishable by its distinctive growth habit, which tends more towards horizontal and at times slightly inclined, rather than the typical upright stature of its relatives. The leaves are uniquely identified by a notch or cleft at their tips. During its peak season in summer, purple amaranth manifests as a broadly distributed annual herb, often starting its spread from the peripheries of garden spaces and potentially advancing to nearby potted areas. For adequate management, a combination of preemergence and postemergence herbicidal treatments is recommended.

Lifespan: Annual

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Purple amaranth

Horizontal growth habit distinguishes purple amaranth from upright relatives.

Leaves with notched tips unique to purple amaranth.

Spirally arranged ovate leaves with reticulate veins, 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) long.

Green stems, slender, branching from the base to form a mat-like structure.

Flowers in leaf axils, small (<0.1 inches/2.5 mm), greenish without noticeable fragrance.

Detailed Traits of Purple amaranth

Leaf Features

The leaves of purple amaranth are spirally arranged with an ovate to rhomboid shape, measuring approximately 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) in length. They feature a smooth, glabrous texture and are characterized by light or dark spots on their upper surface. The leaves exhibit a distinct, prominent midrib with a reticulate vein pattern. The color varies from green to dark green, aiding in camouflage among foliage. Edges are entire, and the petiole is relatively short, enhancing the leaf's sturdy attachment.

Leaf Shape

Ovate

Leaf Base

Cuneate

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

Leaf Apex

Acute

Leaf Texture

Papyraceous

Leaf Margin

Entire ,

Undulate

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Flower Features

The flowers of purple amaranth form many-flowered clusters in the leaf axils, creating a false spike at the top. They display a mix of male and female flowers. Each flower is small, typically less than 0.1 inches (2.5 mm) in diameter, and lacks prominent petals. The flowers are usually greenish and inconspicuous. They bloom during the summer months, from June to September, and do not possess any noticeable fragrance.

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Stem Features

The stems of purple amaranth are typically erect but can also be simple or branched. They originate from the base, radiating outward to form a mat-like structure. The stems are slender, usually measuring around 1/8 to 1/4 inch (0.3 to 0.6 cm) in diameter. They are green in color, with a smooth texture and sometimes tinged with a reddish hue. The branching pattern is variable, providing a distinct structural feature essential for identification.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

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Purple amaranth and Their Similar Plants

Redroot amaranth vs. Purple amaranth: What's The Difference?

While the redroot amaranth is considered a weed in most areas, some parts are edible. Fresh leaves may be included in soups and stews, while the dried leaves can be utilized in tea or ground into flour for bread or used as a thickening agent. Seeds can also be eaten, but the stalks, roots, and older leaves contain toxic substances. Redroot amaranth is sometimes used as fodder for livestock - it is nutritious in small amounts but toxic if too much is fed over a span of several days.

Palmer's amaranth vs. Purple amaranth: What's The Difference?

Palmer's amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) grows very fast and is invasive in many countries. It is also toxic to some livestock, so it's often classified as a noxious weed. Palmer's amaranth can also be turned into green or yellow dye.

Love-lies-bleeding vs. Purple amaranth: What's The Difference?

The love-lies-bleeding is an annual plant that is grown as an ornamental and as a food source. It is notable for its long, hanging red or gold blossoms that resemble tassels or fox tails. The leaves and seeds are used to make flour and other foods. Traditionally, several parts of this plant were utilized as herbal medicine.

Joseph's coat vs. Purple amaranth: What's The Difference?

Joseph's coat is cultivated around the world both for its ornamental value and as an edible vegetable. Its name is a comparison of the plant's bright foliage to the dream coat of biblical mythology. Joseph's coat leaves are eaten raw, steamed, or stir-fried in Asia and Africa.

Prince's feather vs. Purple amaranth: What's The Difference?

Prince's feather (*Amaranthus hypochondriacus*) thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Evidence of its cultivation in Central America dates back roughly 6000 years. A red food coloring can be derived from prince's feather, and it can also be planted in patios and walkways to add more color to your place.

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Key Facts About Purple amaranth

Attributes of Purple amaranth

Lifespan

Annual

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

10 cm to 30 cm

Spread

30 cm to 38 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

Green

Fruit Color

Red

Stem Color

Red

Burgundy

Leaf type

Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Purple amaranth

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Pinks, cacti, and allies

Family

Amaranth

Genus

Amaranths

Species

Purple amaranth (Amaranthus blitum)

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Distribution Map of Purple amaranth

Although the introduction purple amaranth has been worldwide, it originated from Eurasia, South America and Africa. This plant's natural habitat is wastelands. It's considered a weed in some countries in Europe and Asia and in Mozambique and Nigeria. Purple amaranth seems to cause the most trouble in Japan, particularly in warm upland farms.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Purple amaranth

A Comprehensive Guide to Purple amaranth How to Grow and Care for Purple amaranth