Sandhill Amaranth
Amaranthus watsonii

Family: Amaranthaceae

What it is like

An annual plant. It grows to 75 cm high.

There are about 60 Amaranthus species. It is a C4 plant.

Where it is found

A tropical and subtropical plant. It does well in dry open soils. It needs a sunny position and a well-drained soil.

Countries/locations it is found in

Central America, Mexico, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The leaves are edible cooked. The seeds are ground into flour and cooked. CAUTION: This plant can accumulate nitrates if grown with high nitrogen inorganic fertilisers and these are poisonous.

Edible parts

Seeds, leaves

How it is grown

It can be grown from seed or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Bigelow's Amaranth, Watson's Amaranth

Synonyms

Amaranthus torreyi (A.Gray) Benth. ex S. Watson; Amblogyna torreyi A.Gray;