Scientific Family
Amaranthaceae
Other common names
green amaranth
Powell's smooth amaranth
tall amaranth
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Annual
Similar species
Amaranthus sp.
Height
To 6 feet
Riparian
Yes
A simple to freely-branched annual herb.
Moderately large terminal, stiff, almost leafless spikes with male and female flowers; axillary flower spikes; bracts longer than or equaling petals and sepals; sepals and
petals of pistillate flowers acute or acuminate; plants not sticky.
Habitat
Disturbed habitats, agricultural fields, railroads, roadsides, waste areas, banks of rivers, lakes, and streams.
Plant Community
Riparian
Disturbed Areas
Low elevation
0
High elevation
8200
Flower Characteristics
The inflorescence holds several long, narrow clusters of both male and female flowers interspersed with spiny green bracts.
Flower color
Green
Flower shape
Inconspicuous
Tubular
No
First bloom month
July
Last bloom month
October
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
The underside is smooth with whitish veins. It has leaves up to 3-1/2 inches long; those
on the upper part of the plant are more lance-shaped and lower on the stem more oval in shape. Stems often have a reddish base.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Round or oval
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
None
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit color
Black, reddish-black