SafePlants

Amaranthus acutilobus and Amaranthus albus: An Overview

This page provides information about two species of Amaranthus: Amaranthus acutilobus and Amaranthus albus, often referred to as White Amaranth or Tumble Pigweed.

Considerations for Pets

• Some species in the Amaranthus genus, like Amaranthus albus, have seeds that may pose a choking hazard, especially for smaller animals.

Scientific Names and Synonyms

• Amaranthus acutilobus Uline & W.L. Bray: This name is a synonym of Amaranthus viridis L.
• Amaranthus albus L.: Also known as White Amaranth, Tumble Pigweed, or simply Tumbleweed. Synonyms include Amaranthus graecizans auct. non L. p. p., Amaranthus gracilentus, and Amaranthus graecizans Cutanda.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Amaranthaceae
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Domain: Eukaryota
• Phylum: Spermatophyta

Distribution and Habitat

• Amaranthus albus is native to the tropical Americas but has become a widespread introduced species in many other places.
• Amaranthus albus is frequently found in agricultural areas and near human habitations.

Ecological Role

• Amaranthus albus is considered a weed, particularly in agricultural settings. It is a serious weed in southern New South Wales.
• In the Great Plains, the dried plants (Tumbleweed) are often blown against fences.

Morphological Characteristics

• Amaranthus acutilobus has simple, alternate leaves that are petiolate and entire.
• Amaranthus albus is an annual growing to about 0.7 meters (2ft 4in). It has whitish, rigid, branching stems.
• Amaranthus albus flowers from July to August, and seeds ripen from September.

Resources and Further Information

• WCSP (World Checklist of Selected Plant Families)
• TROPICOS: Nomenclatural and Specimen Database of the Missouri Botanical Garden
• International Plant Names Index (IPNI)
• Australian Plant Name Index
• NYBG Virtual Herbarium
• Encyclopedia of Life (EOL)
• GRIN (Germplasm Resources Information Network)
• SINGER database