Max Licher @http://swbiodiversity.org, Usage Rights: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike (CC BY-SA)
Forb Plant Description
Origin:
Native
Life Cycle:
Annual Similar Species: Amaranthus sp. General Desc:
A simple to freely-branched annual herb. Identification notes: Moderately large terminal, stiff, almost leafless spikes with male and female flowers; axillary flower spikes; bracts longer than or equaling petals and sepals; sepals and
petals of pistillate flowers acute or acuminate; plants not sticky. Height:
To 6 feet Habitat
Habitat Description: Disturbed habitats, agricultural fields, railroads, roadsides, waste areas, banks of rivers, lakes, and streams. Plant Communities:
Riparian, Disturbed Areas Elevation: Below 8200 feet Flower Characteristics
Color:
Green
Shape:
Inconspicuous in elongated clusters
Tubular:
N
Flowering Period:
Jul - Oct Description:
The inflorescence holds several long, narrow clusters of both male and female flowers interspersed with spiny green bracts.
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Leaf Color:
Green
Leaf Type:
Simple
Leaf Shape:
Round or oval
Leaf Margin:
Smooth
Leaf Attachment:
Alternate
Leaves Clasp:
N Hairs:
No
Spines:
N
Leaf Description:
The underside is smooth with whitish veins. It has leaves up to 3-1/2 inches long; those
on the upper part of the plant are more lance-shaped and lower on the stem more oval in shape. Stems often have a reddish base. Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Fruit Color: Black, reddish-black Fruit Type: Capsule
Arizona Cooperative Extension
Yavapai County
840 Rodeo Dr #C
Prescott, AZ 86305
(928) 445-6590