is this Amaranth/Pigweed?

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HeatherY Kensington, NY Sep 25, 2014

I have heard that the newest invasive is Amaranth, also called Pigweed, is
delicious and nutritious, Is that what I have here?
thanks
Heather Y.

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Farmerdill Augusta, GA(Zone 8a) Sep 26, 2014

Actually it is a native plant. While pigweed is a common name for several plant species, yours appears to be Amaranthus palmeri . It can be used as a spinach substitute, you will have to decide for yourself if it is delicious. Natives and early settlers used it.

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1lisac Liberty Hill, TX(Zone 8a) Sep 26, 2014

Some types are used for grain and some for edible greens. Don't know abt the invasive part, this plant has feed our ancestors for a long time. Most are very ornamental too.

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HeatherY Kensington, NY Sep 27, 2014

Thanks Farmerdill and Number 1!

I have heard about amaranth as a supposed supergrain and as the food of the Aztecs and likely other south western North American people. Mom uses this grain in her bread sometimes. I tried to cook it like pasta once- it does not absorb water it did not seem to soften much.
Palmeri is it? I will have to look that up.
I see it everywhere I look in untended spaces this year- parking lot edges and tree pits.
Grist magazine ( an online magazine about food, water, resources, and the policy and politics
concerning them) had an article about how it was all over the place recently. Perhaps it is new to the North East and Mid Atlantic.

Check out these plants my neighbors are clearly growing! I think they are they same family.
at least six feet hight!

cheers Heather Y

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Post #9949029
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Farmerdill Augusta, GA(Zone 8a) Sep 28, 2014

The species used for grain are Amaranthus caudatus, Amaranthus cruentus, and Amaranthus hypochondriacus. These are natives of Mexico and were used by the Aztecs and other tribes as a food staple. The cultivated vegetable amaranthes are usually Amaranthus tricolor (Chinese spinach) and are Asian. Evergreen seeds has a good selection. Pigweed Amaranthus palmeri is nature to North America and altho edible ( as are many weeds) is considered a pest by most farmers.

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