Red Root Pigweed

Common Name: Red Root Pigweed

Botanical Name: Amaranthus retroflexus L.

Family: Amaranthaceae

Life Cycle: Annual

Defining Identification Characteristics:

• Upright, branching stalk

• Stems have smooth lower parts and hairy upper parts

• Simple, alternate, oval shaped leaves

• Leaves have wavy margins

• Underside of leaves is hairy

• Small green flowers on a dense, stiff, terminal panicle

• Distinctive red root

Common habitat:

• Landscape gardens

• Farm fields

Noxious Weed List/Legal Status:

Eradicate Control Restricted Specially Regulated Not Listed

Additional Information:

Pigweed identification (a quick guide) - Notes in the Margins: Agronomy and Weed Science Musings - ANR Blogs