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.

Purple amaranth is a "pigweed" that has been distributed around the world, favoring tropical areas. This species is considered a weed in Europe, Asia, and Africa (Nigeria and Mozambique, specifically). It has a negative impact on farms in Japan and Brazil and is considered one of the chief recurring weeds in crops there. It can outcompete commercial crops such as mulberries, cassava, pineapples, maize, and others. _Common_Name_ also has been reported as poisonous to livestock because of its high nitrate content. The weed can also outcompete native plants in grasslands and islands. In Africa, Central and North America, Asia, and the South Pacific Islands, it is eaten as a minor crop.

Removing purple amaranth is best done in the fall season, before the weed has a chance to go to seed and spread further. Doing so will drastically limit its ability to re-emerge the following year. Here are a few methods of removal: