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:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Green/Brown Flowers

Sun:

Sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

watering

White Pigweed should be watered daily, providing enough moisture to keep the soil moist but not soggy. The best way to water is to water deeply and infrequently. Water in the early morning, if possible, to reduce the chance of disease. During hot weather, more frequent watering, as often as twice a day, may be necessary. A thorough soaking at least once a week is also beneficial.

sunlight

White Pigweed is an annual plant, meaning it completes its entire lifecycle in a single season. It prefers full-sun exposure, meaning optimal growth and flowering occurs when the plant is exposed to direct sunlight for a minimum of 6 to 8 hours a day. This plant can tolerate some partial shade but won't thrive if the sunlight exposure is too little. During the summer months, when the sun's intensity is strongest, the plant can benefit from some shade throughout the hottest parts of the day. However, the plant should still receive a minimum of about 4 hours of direct sunlight each day to promote optimal growth.

pruning

White pigweed, or Amaranthus albus, is a fast-growing, annual summer weed. For best results in keeping this weed at bay, it's recommended to prune it back every 2-3 weeks. Pruning should start when the weed is at least 6-8 inches tall and should be done before it goes to seed. To prune, cut the plant back, right above the main stem or root crown, avoiding the small roots that can be found there. This is especially important in preventing weeds from re-growing and unlike chemical control, does not expose the soil to possible contamination. Additionally, removing the weed before it blossoms and goes to seed is key for keeping the spread of its progeny to a minimum. Pruning White pigweed is necessary to keep it in check, as this weed is known to spread rapidly if left unmanaged.

Season

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

White Pigweed typically starts flowering in July.