Rough Redroot Pigweed

WEEDS

GENUS/SPECIES

Amaranthus retroflexus

FAMILY

Amaranthaceae

SYNONYMS

Common: Redroot Amaranth

DISTRIBUTION

Tropical America and introduced throughout the United States

Human Product Number - 52

Veterinary Product Number - 52

Comments

This weed is an annual species that reproduces by seed and may establish itself aggressively in cultivated fields. It can get to be six feet tall with bristly looking greenish flowers clustered along the sides and top of the plant during late summer and autumn. This pigweed gets one of its common names from the reddish color at the upper portion of the taproot. However, there are many species of amaranth, and they cross-react allergenically.