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Amaranthus viridis (Slender Amaranth)

Green Amaranth, Slender Amaranth, African Spinach, Callaloo, Rough Pigweed, Wild Amaranth, Amaranthus gracilis, Amaranthus viridus

Amaranthus viridis, Green Amaranth, Slender Amaranth, Amaranthus gracilis

An excellent substitute for spinach, Amaranthus viridis (Slender Amaranth) is a vigorous, erect annual or short-lived perennial with a slender branched stem and deeply veined leaves, up to 6 in. long (15 cm), with a long leaf stalk. Occasionally eaten as a cooked vegetable, the leaves are diuretic and purgative and used in poultices to treat inflammations. A decoction of the entire plant is used to stop dysentery and inflammation. In summer, a dense spike, often with many branches, is packed with small green flowers. They give way to wrinkled fruit capsules that contain smooth and glossy seeds. The nutty edible seeds can be eaten as snacks or used in biscuits. 

  • Grows up to 2-3 ft. tall (60-90 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun, in moist, well-drained soils. Provide a sheltered location.
  • Propagate by seed sown in-situ in late spring.
  • Native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the world, the southern United States and Mexico

Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 11
Plant Type Annuals
Plant Family Amaranthaceae
Genus Amaranthus
Common names Green Amaranth, Amaranth, Callaloo
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Northeast, Southwest, Southeast, Midwest, Michigan, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Amaranthus tricolor (Joseph’s Coat)
Amaranthus tricolor ‘Early Splendor’ (Joseph’s Coat)
Amaranthus caudatus ‘Dreadlocks’ (Love-Lies-Bleeding)
Amaranthus caudatus (Love-Lies-Bleeding)
Amaranthus cruentus ‘Velvet Curtains’ (Purple Amaranth)

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 7 - 11
Plant Type Annuals
Plant Family Amaranthaceae
Genus Amaranthus
Common names Green Amaranth, Amaranth, Callaloo
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, New York, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Northeast, Southwest, Southeast, Midwest, Michigan, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Amaranthus (Amaranth)
Not sure which Amaranthus (Amaranth) to pick?
Compare Now

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