Redroot Pigweed—Amaranthus retroflexus
A common annual weed in gardens, cultivated areas and waste places.
Plants grow erect, 2 to 4 feet tall. Lower stems and roots are often red or striped with red.
Leaves have long petioles and prominent veins and are lance-shaped with wavy margins.
Flowers at the top of the plant are greenish, spike-like clusters. Each plant can produce 100,000 seeds.
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Identification and Control Information
- Fact Sheet with Description and Control Options (PDF) —The Pennsylvania State University, College of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service
- The Organic Weed Management Website—Cornell University
More Information
- Integrated Pest Management for Home Gardeners and Landscape Professionals: Weed Management in Landscapes (PDF) —University of California
- Weeds and Your Garden brochure (PDF) —New York State IPM Program and Cornell Cooperative Extension
- Weed Management in the Home Garden (PDF) —Iowa State University Extension
[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]