Amaranthus sp.

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Approximately 60 species are recognized, with inflorescences and foliage ranging from purple and red to gold.

The genus also contains several well-known ornamental plants, such as Amaranthus caudatus, a native of India and a vigorous, hardy annual with dark purplish flowers crowded in handsome drooping spikes.

Amaranthus cruentus is a tall annual herb topped with clusters of dark pink flowers. Many parts of the plants, including the leaves and seeds, are edible, and are frequently used as a source of food in India and South America. It is believed to have originated from Amaranthus hybridus, with which it shares many morphological features. Ancient amaranth grains still used to this day include the three species, Amaranthus caudatus, Amaranthus cruentus, and Amaranthus hypochondriacus.

Species and varieties:

Amaranthus caudatus (Pendant Amaranth, Tassel Flower)

Amaranthus cruentus (Red amaranth, Mexican Grain Amaranth)

Amaranthus mangostanus (Amaranth Edible Red)

Amaranthus tricolor

Similar plants:

• Amaranthus tricolor (Joseph's coat, Fountain plant)