Amaranthus campestris
Amaranthus campestris
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Pl. DC18 — Amaranthus campestris
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IOverview
Overview
Amaranthus campestris, commonly known as pigweed, is an annual plant native to the southeastern United States and parts of Mexico. It thrives in full sun and a variety of soil types, including light sandy, medium, and heavy clay soils. Known for its edible leaves and seeds, this plant can be found growing wild in Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, and other regions. Pigweed is notable for its ability to grow in moist conditions, making it a versatile addition to gardens or natural landscapes where it can serve both ornamental and culinary purposes.
Quick answers
What is Amaranthus campestris?
Amaranthus campestris, commonly known as pigweed, is an annual plant native to the southeastern United States and parts of Mexico. It thrives in full sun and a variety of soil types, including light sandy, medium, and heavy clay soils.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Amaranthus campestris thrives in full sun and prefers moist, light to heavy soil types. It is an annual plant that grows well in areas such as Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mexico Northeast, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist while providing ample sunlight. The plant can tolerate a range of soil conditions but performs best in light or medium soils. Harvest its edible leaves and seeds for use in cooking.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
For first-time growers
How to grow Amaranthus campestris for the first time
8steps
Start with Amaranthus campestris for a simple, low-maintenance project.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a small trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost when temperatures are warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose light, medium, or heavy soil types. Ensure good drainage for containers.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1/2 inch deep in the garden bed or start seedlings indoors before transplanting.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure and water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune occasionally to encourage bushy growth, but avoid cutting back too much.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in poor drainage, neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: The amaranth leaves and seeds of Amaranthus campestris are edible. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked in various dishes, while the seeds are often roasted or ground into flour for use in baking. Both parts add a nutty flavor to meals.
Other uses:DyeDynamic accumulator
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
16 native · 14 introduced
Distribution
16 native · 14 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 16 native· 14 introduced
Europe3 regions
introduced (3)AlbaniaAustriaSpain
Asia2 regions
native (1)Georgia
introduced (1)Afghanistan
Americas1 region
introduced (1)United States
Africa1 region
introduced (1)Algeria
Broader regions
native:North Carolina, Mississippi, Utah, Kentucky, New Mexico, Arizona, Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, South Carolina, California, Texas, Nevada, Virginia, Mexico Northeast
introduced:Baltic States, Argentina South, Argentina Northwest, Argentina Northeast, Amur, Altay, Arkansas, Alberta
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
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