How to identify Prince's feather (Amaranthus hypochondriacus)

How to identify Prince's feather (Amaranthus hypochondriacus)

Prince's feather, also known as Amaranth, Grain Amaranth, Red cockscomb

Prince's feather is characterized by its erect stature and its capacity to grow to a height of 2-3 feet (60-90 cm). This plant showcases vibrant, feathery inflorescences that are typically a deep red hue, adding a splash of color to its surroundings. The foliage is a complementary green, providing a striking contrast. As a monoecious species, prince's feather bears both male and female flowers, which rely on wind for pollination. Its overall appearance is marked by a combination of striking flowers and a bushy growth habit, making it visually distinctive.

Lifespan: Annual, Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Semi-evergreen

Quickly Identify Prince's feather

Feathery deep red inflorescences reaching 2 feet (60 cm) tall.

Small, shiny seeds with subglobose to lenticular shape, displaying various colors.

Rhombic-ovate to broadly lanceolate leaves, 1.5-4 inches (4-10 cm) long.

Erect stem, green or reddish purple, between 3-6 feet (90-180 cm) tall.

Distinctive monoecious plant with male and female flowers reliant on wind for pollination.

Detailed Traits of Prince's feather

Leaf Features

The leaves of prince's feather are rhombic-ovate to broadly lanceolate, measuring 1.5 to 4 inches (4 to 10 cm) long and about 2 inches (5 cm) wide. In robust plants, they may appear larger. The petioles of distal leaves are equal to or slightly shorter than the blade, becoming longer proximally. The leaves exhibit a smooth texture with a distinct vein pattern that enhances their structural appearance.

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Flower Features

The flowers of prince's feather appear in dense, erect or pendulous, catkin-like inflorescences during the summer and autumn. They predominantly occur at the plant’s terminal end, sometimes with a few spikes at distal axils. The inflorescences are stiff, robust, and can be dark red, purple, or deep beet-red, with leafless ends. Less commonly, they may appear yellowish or greenish. These inflorescences are typically impressive in size, reaching heights of up to 2 feet (60 cm).

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Stem Features

The stem of prince's feather is usually erect, measuring between 3 to 6 feet (90 to 180 cm) tall. It can be either green or reddish purple, giving it a distinctive appearance. The texture of the stem is smooth and often branched, particularly in the regions where inflorescences develop. It is relatively thick, providing sturdy support for the plant. The branching pattern is mainly focused on the flowering portions, making the stem's form highly identifiable.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of prince's feather is noted for its small and shiny seeds, critical for identification. These seeds exhibit a range of colors from white, ivory, and pinkish white to black and dark reddish brown. Their shape is subglobose to lenticular, which means they are spherical to lens-shaped. The texture is smooth to the touch, reflecting light with a glossy sheen. Each seed is tiny, with precise measurements generally not provided, as their diminutive size challenges standard measurement. These features together furnish the fruit with distinctive characteristics easily observed with magnification.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Prince's feather and Their Similar Plants

Redroot amaranth vs. Prince's feather: 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.

Purple amaranth vs. Prince's feather: 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.

Palmer's amaranth vs. Prince's feather: 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. Prince's feather: 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. Prince's feather: 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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Key Facts About Prince's feather

Attributes of Prince's feather

Lifespan

Annual, Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

20 cm to 80 cm

Spread

30 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Stem Color

Green

Red

Burgundy

Leaf type

Semi-evergreen

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Scientific Classification of Prince's feather

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Pinks, cacti, and allies

Family

Amaranth

Genus

Amaranths

Species

Prince's feather (Amaranthus hypochondriacus)

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Distribution Map of Prince's feather

Prince's feather originated in Central America, primarily in the tropical regions. Now, it has a widespread introduced range spanning over multiple continents including Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australasia. Its adaptability has allowed it to naturalize in various major regions, where it thrives in diverse climatic conditions.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Prince's feather

A Comprehensive Guide to Prince's feather How to Grow and Care for Prince's feather