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 Flower spike Highlands Center for Natural HistorySue Smith |  Leaf Highlands Center for Natural HistorySue Smith |  Plant - summer Highlands Center for Natural HistorySue Smith |  Plant - young Highlands Center for Natural HistorySue Smith |  Plant - summer Pinyon Oaks SubdivisionSue Smith |  Stem Pinyon Oaks SubdivisionSue Smith |
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Origin:
Native
Life Cycle:
Annual Similar Species: Amaranthus powellii
General Desc:
Erect, branching, leafy annual with dense, stiff terminal clusters of inconspicuous green flowers and spine-like scales. The plant is
named for its pinkish to red taproot.
Identification notes: Plants densely to moderately pubescent, branched moderately large and usually green inflorescences, sometimes with reddish tint
and both male and female flowers on the same plant distinguish that from other Amaranthus sp. .
Height:
To 6 feet
Habitat Description: Banks of rivers, lakes, and streams, disturbed habitats, agricultural fields, railroads, roadsides, waste areas.
Plant Communities:
Riparian, Disturbed Areas
Elevation: Below 8200 feet
Color:
Green
Shape:
Inconspicuous in elongated clusters
Tubular:
N
Flowering Period:
Jun - Nov
Description:
Small, green inconspicuous flowers and spine-like scales are tightly arranged to form dense, stiff, terminal clusters with smaller
clusters between the main stem and leaf stalks.
Leaf Color:
Green
Leaf Type:
Simple
Leaf Shape:
Round or oval
Leaf Margin:
Other
Leaf Attachment:
Alternate
Leaves Clasp:
N
Hairs:
Leaves and stems
Spines:
N
Leaf Description:
Stems are coarse with the lower part red or red-striped. Leaves are up to 7 inches long and their stalks are up to 3 inches long. Leaves are broad and lance-shaped with prominent veins and wavy margins.
Fruit Type: Capsule
Fruit Notes: Tiny capsules are less than 1/17 inch long. The capsules split open in the middle to release one seed.
Seed Notes: The dark brown to black seeds are round, glossy, and roughly 1/25 of an inch in diameter.
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