Redroot amaranth - Amaranthus retroflexus (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Invasive, Images, Control)

Redroot amaranth

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.

Scientific classification

Species

Redroot amaranth (Amaranthus retroflexus)

Pinks, cacti, and allies

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Weeds

Weed or not

Annual

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Harvest Time

15 cm to 1 m

Plant Height

50 cm to 1 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2 cm to 4 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Cream

Fruit Color

Green, Yellow, Red, Orange

Flower Color

Green, Red

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer, Fall

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Redroot amaranth

Distribution of Redroot amaranth

Distribution Map

Redroot amaranth is widespread, with a presence across various continents. Native to certain areas in the western part of North America and parts of the Middle East, redroot amaranth has been introduced to regions in Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. While it has adapted to a variety of climates, redroot amaranth is sometimes thought to be a concern in certain ecosystems, particularly where it has been noted as invasive, potentially influencing local flora dynamics. However, its exact impact remains subject to ecological studies.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Cultivated land, waste places

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Economic Value

Redroot pigweed seeds can be used as food additives, and redroot pigweed is also a very important pig feed.

Garden Use

Redroot amaranth often grows in fields and roadsides.

Symbolism

Rapid growth, immortality

Interesting Facts

Redroot amaranth is an invasive alien species, which seriously impacts cotton, beans, peanuts and other crops.

Name Story

Redroot amaranth||Pigweed amaranth: The plant has many common names which are usually related to its appearance or habitat. For instance, the name redroot amaranth comes from its red or pink roots. Also, it grows in places where pigs feast on them. So, it is called pigweed amaranth.

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Toxicity

Redroot amaranth contains oxalic acid and nitrates, leading to nutrient deficiencies and health issues like stomach cancer. Toxic to cats and dogs, ingestion of leaves or stems causes discomfort and severe symptoms. Immediate veterinary care is vital if ingested.

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Weed Control

Redroot amaranth is considered a weed throughout the eastern United States and Canada. In the United States, it is a weed from Texas to North Carolina. In total, it is considered an invasive weed in 58 countries such as France, Belgium, Russia, Germany, and Portugal. The plant prefers to root in disturbed non-wetland areas. This species hosts pests that damage important crops such as maize, cotton, and sorghum. The redroot amaranth is highly poisonous to grazing animals and humans due to the nitrates that it pulls up from the soil. It can be controlled through herbicides, cultivation, or by introducing beetles such as the pigweed flea beetle.

How to Control It

The best season for the removal of redroot amaranth is during the late spring to early summer. This is the optimal time to remove them as they are in their early growth stages and before they start to produce seeds. Here are the details on various organic methods you can use to prevent and control this plant:

Hand pulling: This is a simple yet effective way to control redroot amaranth. Make sure to yank out the entire plant, including its taproot, while the soil is moist to prevent regrowth.
Tillage: Use a hoe or a rototiller to agitate the soil and uproot redroot amaranth plants. Make sure to remove the uprooted plants and dispose of them properly to prevent seed dispersion.
Mulching: Spread a thick layer of organic material like straw or leaf compost in your garden. This smothers redroot amaranth seedlings by depriving them of sunlight, slowing their growth or eliminating them altogether.
Biocontrol: Introduce natural enemies of redroot amaranth such as certain insects or grazing animals. For example, releasing leaf-feeding beetles can help regulate redroot amaranth population.
Crop rotation: Rotate your crops each season to break the lifecycle of redroot amaranth. This reduces the chances of redroot amaranth re-infestation.

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Quickly Identify Redroot amaranth

Robust growth reaching 1-6.5 feet (30 cm to 2 meters) height

Dense clusters of small, inconspicuous green flowers

Bladder-like fruit housing glossy, black to reddish-brown seeds

Variable leaf sizes with reddish undersides and hairs

Robust, hairy stem with a reddish base, up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick

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Care Guide for Redroot amaranth

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Redroot amaranth thrives in warm, dry regions, requiring weekly watering to stay vigorous. As an annual herb, it needs moderate, consistent moisture to support rapid growth and flowering. Outdoor cultivation is ideal, benefiting from rainwater during peak growth, aligning with its natural cycles.

Propagation: To propagate redroot amaranth, sow seeds directly into well-drained soil in Spring. Ensure sufficient sunlight for successful sprouting of seedlings. This straightforward process yields favorable results when the conditions are adequately met.

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Images of Redroot amaranth

Distribution of Redroot amaranth

Culture

Toxicity

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Redroot amaranth

Care Guide for Redroot amaranth

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