Prostrate pigweed, Tumble Pigweed
Amaranthus albus

Family: Amaranthaceae

What it is like

An annual herb which grows to 1 m high. It can be erect or spreading. The leaves are alternate and sword shaped. They are 3 cm long. The flowers are green. The flower stalks are leafy to the top. The seeds are 1 mm across.

There are about 60 Amaranthus species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows naturally or naturalised on disturbed or waste ground in Southern North America and most of Europe. Plants do best under high light, warm conditions and dry conditions. They need a well drained soil. It can grow in arid places. Tasmania Herbarium.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Austria, Balkans, Belarus, Britain, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Central Asia, Chile, China, Denmark, Europe, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Indochina, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Mediterranean, Mexico, Middle East, Mongolia, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Africa, North America, Poland, Russia, SE Asia, South America, Spain, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye, Ukraine, Uruguay, USA

How it is used for food

The leaves and young plant are eaten cooked. The seeds are ground into flour and used to make bread. CAUTION: This plant can accumulate nitrates if grown with high nitrogen inorganic fertilisers and these are poisonous.

It is a commercially cultivated vegetable.

Edible parts

Seeds, leaves, vegetable

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed if the soil is warm. Seeds are small and grow easily.

Its other names

Local names

Bai xian, Bledo blanco, Blitou, Cannimaru, Phti sa, Supurge otu, Taramago, Tumbleweed, White Pigweed, Yuyo bola

Synonyms

Amaranthus gracilentus H. W. Kung;