SafePlants

Amaranthus fimbriatus: Fringed Amaranth

Amaranthus fimbriatus, commonly known as Fringed Amaranth or Fringed Pigweed, is an annual herb appreciated for its distinctive appearance and ecological role.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant has erect stems and many small flower clusters.
• It contains small, potentially detachable parts (e.g. seeds).

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Amaranthus fimbriatus (Torr.) Benth. ex S. Watson or Amaranthus fimbriatus (Torrey) Benth.
• Common Names: Fringed Amaranth, Fringed Pigweed, Bledo, Quelitillo.
• Family: Amaranthaceae (Pigweed Family)
• Classification: Dicot

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to California and found in other locations.
• Specifically noted in the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts.
• Observed in the Wee Thump Joshua Tree Wilderness Area and Tumamoc Hill.

Morphology and Growth

• Glabrous (smooth) flowering plant.
• Annual herb, occasionally reaching one meter in height.
• Erect pink to reddish stems.
• Many small male and female flower clusters.
• Pink, fan-shaped fringed sepals.
• Warm season annual, not present in winter.
• Blooms typically occur from August to November.
• Grows at elevations between 600 and 1700 meters.

Ecology

• Native plant species emerging after monsoons.

Quirky Facts

• Culturally, amaranth flowers have been used as a symbol of immortality.

Further Resources

• Dave's Garden (for gardening tips and ideas)
• Discover Life (for biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution information)
• Wikimedia Commons (for images)
• EOL (Encyclopedia of Life)