REDROOT PIGWEED (Amaranthus retroflexus)

Описание: How to identify Redroot Pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus)
This is redroot pigweed, a member of the amaranth family (Amaranthaceae) that is native to central America and which has become very common around the world. It is an annual that blooms in the summer.

The plant has a tall stem which branches in its lower half. The stems can be smooth or hairy, and are usually colored with red or purplish streaks.

The leaves are round or lance-shaped and taper to a rounded point. They are dark green in color and have a prominent, light green midrib and veins. They have slightly irregular or ruffled edges, and are covered in fine hairs. The undersides of young leaves are usually colored purple.

Redroot pigweed is monoecious, and each branch of the stem is topped with a single flower spike, with the central stem bearing the largest spike. The flowers are small, green, and tightly bunched together. After pollination the spikes will produce tiny, shiny black seeds which are individually contained in lidded capsules.

The plant grows off a deep taproot, which is bright red in color. It only reproduces via seed, and in late summer it will dry out and produce a tumbleweed.

This plant likes moist, disturbed soil and full sun, and is commonly found in cultivated fields, gardens, roadsides, and near water sources such as rivers and streams.

This plant is edible, and is eaten as a vegetable in some parts of the world.

Redroot pigweed is very similar to several other pigweed species, but can be distinguished by its red taproot and the purple coloring on the underside of its leaves.


Sources:

Weeds of the West, 5th Edition (1991) by Tom D. Whitson, published by the Western Society of Weed Science

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources IPM – Weed Gallery
http://ipm.ucanr.edu/

United States Department of Agriculture – Plant Database
https://plants.usda.gov