Amaranthus retroflexus (Redroot pigweed)

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Last updated on Jan 5, 2021 weed id

Image credit: Brazil Topno

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 palmeri so just remember the Chuck Norris (unbeatable), because of these days the A. palmeri is the Chuck Norris of the weeds. Now, retroflexus is difficult to make a joke and associate the name, because the translation would bend or turn back.

Plant shape

2nd Identification Tip: this species is almost iqual to the A. palmeri, follow the hair to separete them.

Leaves

3º Identification tip: leaves are alternated on the stem, with long stems and range from opaque green to bright or reddish-green. The blade of the sheet is oval or diamond-shaped but is usually wider at the base. The edges of the leaves are smooth. The tips of the leaves are pointed or sometimes slightly notched. The lower surface of each leaf is usually pubescent, while the upper surface is less pubescent or hairless.

Stem

4º Identification tip: the central stem is robust, round, light green and more or less covered with white hair; it also has thin white longitudinal veins, thick and smooth bottom, usually rough upper, with short, dense hair, greenish to slightly reddish, but usually red near the roots.

Flowers

5º Identification tip: the flowers are small, green and piled up in thick and rough thorns at the top of the plant, smaller than the inflorescences of A. palmeri. Smaller clusters are located in the underarms of the leaves.

Seeds

6º Identification tip: it is almost not possible to identify the seeds among the genus amaranthus, so it is worth checking, small, black and shiny seeds. If you feel brave and confident you could try to identify the seeds here