Amaranthus blitoides (Prosted pigweed)

Identification tips

Tip #1: the name of the amaranth genus comes from the Greek amaranths, "unbeatable", referring to the long-lasting flowers. Just remember who this species is "sister", the Amaranthus paleri, so just remember the Chuck Norris (unbeatable), because these days the A. palmeri is the Chuck Norris of the weeds. While blitoides means it resembles blitum.

Plant shape

2º Identification tip: are prostrate plants of branched stems.

Leaves

3º Identification tip: alternating leaves are dark green, glabrous, spoon-shaped and smooth along the margins. They have serosity and may have whitish (V) stain on the leaves.

Stem

4º Identification tip: the stem is succulent and erect, they vary from whitish green to pale red.

Flowers

5º Identification tip: this species of amaranthus has no inflorescence, presenting only the cluster of flowers in the axil of the leaves. The colors culd be withe or purple.

Seeds

6º Identification tip: although it is very similar to the other seeds of the amaranthus this species presents the largest seeds among them. If you have guts you can try to identify the seeds here

Seedlings - the terror of all

He's not afraid of anything

7º Identification tip: the cotyledons are the largest than the other species of amaranthus, it presents slow and prostrate development. .

ID

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Extra references:

http://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/taxa/index.php?taxon=95&clid=2696

https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/weeds/plants/pros_pigweed.htm

http://www.maltawildplants.com/AMAR/Amaranthus_blitoides.php