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Love-lies-bleeding

How to identify Love-lies-bleeding (Amaranthus caudatus)

Love-lies-bleeding, also known as Quilete , Pendant amaranth, Foxtail amaranth

Love-lies-bleeding is recognizable by its distinctive cascading tassels, which appear in a vibrant red or golden hue. These adorn the plant, typically reaching lengths of around 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm), draping downwards like a lavish tail. The spectacle of these fluffy inflorescences starts in the summertime and persists until the arrival of frost. The elongated tassels, combined with a sturdy, upright stature, make love-lies-bleeding a striking figure in any garden setting.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Annual

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Love-lies-bleeding

1

Distinctive cascading tassels in vibrant red or golden hue, 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) long.

2

Blood-red, ovate to lanceolate leaves, 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) long, with pinnate venation.

3

Slender tassels or spikes with petal-less flowers, 12 inches (30 cm) long, in red or gold.

Love-lies-bleedingLove-lies-bleedingLove-lies-bleedingLove-lies-bleedingLove-lies-bleeding

Detailed Traits of Love-lies-bleeding

Leaf Features

Love-lies-bleeding leaves are characterized by their solid, blood-red color, an exceptional and striking trait. Typically ovate to lanceolate in shape, they measure about 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) in length and 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) in width. The texture is smooth, with a slightly wavy margin. The venation is pinnate, with prominent veins running throughout the leaf blade, giving it a textured appearance. This rich coloration and unique structure make the leaves easily recognizable.

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Flower Features

Love-lies-bleeding features long, slender tassels or spikes, measuring about 12 inches (30 cm) in length, adorned with a profusion of small, petal-less flowers that range in color from vibrant red to a striking gold. These flowers exhibit a drooping habit, giving them a cascading appearance. They bloom prolifically from summer until frost sets in. The blooming typically begins around three months after sowing. These distinctive characteristics make the flowers of love-lies-bleeding easily recognizable and visually captivating.

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Love-lies-bleeding and Their Similar Plants

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Redroot amaranth vs. Love-lies-bleeding: 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.
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Purple amaranth vs. Love-lies-bleeding: What's The Difference?
Purple amaranth (Amaranthus blitum) is an annual plant that often grows as a weed. It is not often cultivated, but some people around the world gather the leaves and stems to be eaten as boiled vegetables. It is particularly common in Greek and Lebanese kitchens.
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Palmer's amaranth vs. Love-lies-bleeding: 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.
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Joseph's coat vs. Love-lies-bleeding: 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.
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Prince's feather vs. Love-lies-bleeding: 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 Love-lies-bleeding

Attributes of Love-lies-bleeding
Lifespan
Annual
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
15 m
Spread
30 cm to 90 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Red
Flower Size
1 cm
Flower Color
Red
Yellow
Green
Fruit Color
Green
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Scientific Classification of Love-lies-bleeding

Family
Amaranth
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Species
Love-lies-bleeding (Amaranthus caudatus)
Learn More About the Love-lies-bleeding

Distribution Map of Love-lies-bleeding

Love-lies-bleeding is native to parts of South America and North America. It has seen worldwide introduction, but particularly in neighboring regions of South America. Its natural habitat is disturbed and wastelands.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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