Scientific Family
Amaranthaceae
Synonyms
Achyranthes peploides, Alternanthera peploides
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Introduced
Lifecycle
Perennial
Similar species
Alternanthera sp.
Height
Less than 3 inches
Riparian
No
Low growing, weedy plant with highly branched, long prostrate stems that are covered with small leaves. Clusters of tiny white
flowers are nestled within the leaves. This plant is a native of tropical America but introduced in Arizona.
Prostrate stems, sessile leaves, sessile inflorescences, tepals dimorphic and densely villous, leaf blades longer than broad with
smooth margins and whitish flowers distinguishes this species from other Alternanthera sp.
Habitat
Waste places that are gravelly or sandy.
Plant Community
Disturbed Areas
Low elevation
0
High elevation
6500
Flower Characteristics
Flower clusters are under a 1/2 inch wide and covered in tiny stiff white flowers. The flowers are surrounded by white floral bracts
and there are five stamens.
Flower color
White
Flower shape
Irregular
Tubular
No
First bloom month
June
Last bloom month
October
Flower clusters
Rounded
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Hairs on leaves and stems are sparse. Leaves are oval, usually longer than broad and ending in a soft point. The leaves that are opposite each other are unequal in size to 1-1/4 inch long.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Round or oval
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
Yes
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No