Amaranthus hybridus Rough pigweed (Amaranthaceae)

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Amaranthus hybridus
Rough pigweed
(1 Page of 5)

The Amaranthus hybridus plant species is found in Tropics. Naturalized in Europe[50]. It is a member of the Amaranthaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Rough pigweed. Some home gardeners know the variety as A. chlorostachys.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Amaranthus hybridus
Common Name:  Rough pigweed
Family:  Amaranthaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  No members of this genus are known to be poisonous, but when grown on nitrogen-rich soils they are known to concentrate nitrates in the leaves. This is especially noticeable on land where chemical fertilizers are used. Nitrates are implicated in stomach cancers, blue babies and some other health problems. It is inadvisable, therefore, to eat this plant if it is grown inorganically.

Mature Height:  0.9   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Of uncertain origin, it grows wild in cultivated fields and waste places[43].

Edible Uses: Leaves and young seedlings - cooked as a spinach, added to soups etc or eaten raw[46, 61, 62, 159, 183]. The nutritious leaves have a mild flavour[K]. Seed - raw or cooked[22, 46, 61, 85]. Used as a cereal substitute, the seed is usually ground into a flour for use in porridges, bread etc. It is rather small but easy to harvest and very nutritious[K]. The seed can be cooked whole, and becomes very gelatinous like this, but it is rather difficult to crush all of the small seeds in the mouth and thus some of the seed will pass right through the digestive system without being assimilated[K].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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