Amaranthus hypochondriacus Prince's feather (Amaranthaceae)

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Amaranthus hypochondriacus
Prince's feather
(1 Page of 5)

The Amaranthus hypochondriacus plant species is found in Southern N. America. It is a member of the Amaranthaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Prince's feather. Some home gardeners know the variety as A. hybridus hypochondriachus. (L.)Thell.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Amaranthus hypochondriacus
Common Name:  Prince's feather
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:  1.2   Mature Width:  0.5

Habitat:  A weed of wasteland and agricultural land.

Edible Uses: Young leaves - cooked as a spinach[183, 238]. Rich in vitamins and minerals, they have a mild flavour[K]. Seed - raw or cooked. They can be used as a cereal substitute. They can also be popped in much the same way as popcorn[183]. The seed can be soaked for 12 hours in warm water and then allowed to sprout for about 11 days[244]. They can then be added to salads[183]. Very small but the seed is easy to harvest and very nutritious. 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]. A red pigment obtained from the plant is used as a food colouring[238].

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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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