Redroot Pigweed—Amaranthus retroflexus

A common annual weed in gardens, cultivated areas and waste places.

pigweed plant
Plants grow erect, 2 to 4 feet tall. Lower stems and roots are often red or striped with red.

pigweed root

pigweed leaves
Leaves have long petioles and prominent veins and are lance-shaped with wavy margins.

pigweed flower
Flowers at the top of the plant are greenish, spike-like clusters. Each plant can produce 100,000 seeds.

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[Photos, left to right: Mary Ellen (Mel) Harte, , Bugwood.org; Richard Old, XID Services, Inc., Bugwood.org; Robert Vidéki, Doronicum Kft., Bugwood.org; Joseph M. DiTomaso, University of California - Davis, Bugwood.org]