Tumbleweed (Amaranthus albus)

Tumbleweed

Also known as: White pigweed, Pigweed amaranth, White amaranth

Tumbleweed (Amaranthus albus) is a fast-growing annual plant species that is commonly found growing in fields, pastures and roadsides. During the winter, this plant's blossoms sometimes breaks off from the stem, dry out and are blown around in the wind. This is how it got its name, the tumbleweed.

Scientific classification

Species

Tumbleweed (Amaranthus albus)

Pinks, cacti, and allies

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Weeds

Weed or not

Annual

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Bloom Time

Fall

Harvest Time

10 cm to 1.02 m

Plant Height

White, Green

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Tumbleweed

Distribution of Tumbleweed

Distribution Map

Tumbleweed naturally originates from North America, demonstrating robust adaptability and expanding its range significantly. This hardy plant has established itself across numerous continents, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. Its proliferation has been notable in temperate to tropical regions, where it thrives in a variety of climates, manifesting a relatively broad ecological amplitude.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Disturbed or waste ground

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Symbolism

Immortality, fidelity, everlasting friendship

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Weed Control

Tumbleweed is a weed native to large parts of North America, primarily in the prairie states of the central US. Its habitats include cropland, prairies, farm fields, gardens, vacant lots, and areas along railroad tracks. Tumbleweed causes productivity losses in many vegetable crops and ingestion is detrimental to all livestock. As such, it is considered a problem agricultural weed in Australia, but this species does not appear on any US invasive lists. Control against regrowth can be accomplished by chemical means with herbicides, or manual methods such as hoeing to break up the stem and dig out the roots.

How to Control It

The best season to remove the tumbleweed (Tumbleweed) is late spring to early summer, before the plant bolts or sets seeds. Once the seeds are formed, removal becomes more challenging as the seeds are easily dispersed. Here are some methods you could use to control this weed:

Hand Pulling: Wear a pair of garden gloves to protect your hands. Grasp the weed near the base of the stem and pull it up. Try to remove the entire root to prevent new growth.
Mowing: Mow your lawn regularly, especially during the weed's growing season. Regular mowing can prevent tumbleweed from getting the chance to produce seeds.
Smothering: Cover affected areas with layers of newspapers, cardboard, or landscape fabric to prevent sunlight from reaching tumbleweed. This deprives the weed of the necessary light it needs to grow.
Organic Herbicide Application: Use a vinegar-based organic herbicide to spray on tumbleweed. The high acidity of vinegar can kill small weed plants and prevent new seeds from sprouting.
Crop Rotation: Plant fast-growing crops that can out-compete tumbleweed. This method is useful in vegetable gardens or larger plots of land.

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Care Guide for Tumbleweed

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Originating from arid environments, tumbleweed demonstrates exceptional drought tolerance, requiring infrequent watering about once a week. Typically found in open spaces, it utilizes a unique survival strategy of breaking off and rolling with the wind for seed dispersal, reliant on dry conditions.

Propagation: The ideal propagation season for tumbleweed is Spring, using the sowing method. Propagation is straightforward, with success marked by emerging seedlings. No additional propagation tips are required.

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Images of Tumbleweed

Distribution of Tumbleweed

Culture

Weed Control

Care Guide for Tumbleweed

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