Species White Pigweed
green leaves with light-green veins on pink petioles and stems

White Pigweed

Amaranthus albus

Also Known As - Prostrate Pigweed,Tumble Pigweed,Tumbleweed
White Pigweed (Amaranthus albus) is an annual plant native to North America. It grows to a height of about 12 to 72 inches and produces edible small white flowers with a unique tiara-like shape. Its seed cob is made up of six to nine white, glossy seeds that can be eaten raw or cooked. The leaves are simple, ovate or heart-shaped, and are covered with a downy white-gray wool. They have a salty, nutty flavor. The stems are light green to white, and the plant can spread quickly in a warm climate. It has medicinal benefits too, and can be used to treat anemia, digestive issues, and skin problems. Additionally, it can be used in cooked dishes, salads, or as an ornamental plant.

Watering:

Minimal

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Hairy Marsh Mallow (Althaea hirsuta) should be watered whenever the top inch of soil becomes dry. Water deeply and thoroughly, taking care to moisten the entire root zone, until excess water begins to drain from the pot. Allow the pot to drain completely before returning it to its location. During the hot and dry growing season, this may mean watering once a week or more, while during cooler, wetter weather, it may only be necessary once every 2 weeks.

sunlight

Hairy Marsh Mallow needs full sun to part shade in order to grow and thrive. It prefers at least 6 hours of direct sun per day during the growing season. During the summer months, it can tolerate some light shade during the hottest hours of the day. In more northern climates, it is best to provide 6 to 8 hours of direct sun per day. During the winter months, the plant is dormant and will need less sunlight. When the plant is dormant, between 4 and 6 hours of sun is enough.

pruning

Hairy Marsh Mallow (Althaea hirsuta) should be pruned in early spring, or late winter. Pruning should be done to remove any dead or diseased foliage, and to shape the plant. Pruning should be done lightly, taking off no more than 1 third of the plant's overall height. This will encourage new growth and flowering. Deadheading - removing spent flowers - should be done throughout the growing season, as they appear. Hairy Marsh Mallow is generally a low-maintenance plant and does not require a great deal of pruning to thrive.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

⚠️ Perenual and its members cannot be held liable for any health issues that may arise from the information provided on the website or from using any of the plants found on the site. The information provided is intended to be used as general guidelines only.