Amaranthus fimbriatus
(Torr.) Benth.
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Summary
Source: WikipediaAmaranthus fimbriatus is a species of glabrous flowering plant in the Amaranthaceae family. It is commonly known as fringed amaranth or fringed pigweed. The plant is an annual herb that can often grow up to 0.7 m (2 ft.) in height. The flower is greenish to maroon. It is found in North America and in Mexico. It often grows on sandy, gravelly slopes, semideserts or in disturbed habitats. It usually blooms after the summer rains in these arid regions. It is considered to be an invasive weed. Two varieties of A. fimbriatus have been described: A. fimbriatus var. fimbriatus and A. fimbriatus var. denticulatus. The small variations are found in the tepals.
Description
A fast-growing annual reaching 0.6 m tall and 0.4 m wide, hardy to UK zone 6 and not frost tender. Wind-pollinated and noted for attracting wildlife. Grows in light and medium well-drained soils, tolerates poor soil nutrition, and handles drought well. Requires full sun and grows in mildly acid to mildly alkaline soils. Prefers dry or moist conditions.
Edible Uses
Both leaves and seeds are edible. The leaves are mild-tasting and can be used in salads when young and tender, or cooked lightly as a leafy vegetable. The seeds are small and black, produced in large quantities inside distinctive fringed capsules that split open readily at maturity, making them relatively easy to harvest. The papery chaff separates cleanly from the seeds with little effort, particularly when the plant material is dried first. Seeds can be eaten raw, toasted, boiled into porridge, ground into flour, or made into seed cakes and bars.
Medicinal Uses
None known.
Distribution
It is a warm temperate of subtropical plant.
Where It Grows
Mexico,
Propagation
Propagate by seed.
Other Uses
None known.
Synonyms
References (2)
- Felger, R. S. 1980, Vegetation and Flora of the Gran Desierti, Sonora, Mexico. Desert Plants 2(2). Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. p 9
- World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
