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Description
Amaranthus Palmeri, also known as Palmer’s Amaranth or careless weed, is a plant species that belongs to the amaranth family. It is native to North and Central America and is commonly found in disturbed areas such as agricultural fields, roadsides, and waste areas. This plant can grow up to 6 feet tall and has a stout, erect stem that is usually reddish-purple in color. Its leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate to diamond-shaped, with a length of up to 6 inches. The flowers are green and inconspicuous, clustered in long, dense spikes that can reach up to 2 feet long. The seeds are small, black, and shiny.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Genus | Amaranthus |
Appearance
Amaranthus Palmeri is an annual plant with a stout, erect stem that can grow up to 6 feet tall. The stem is usually reddish-purple in color and has a rough texture. Its leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate to diamond-shaped, with a length of up to 6 inches. The leaves can be green or reddish-purple in color and have a smooth texture. The flowers of Amaranthus Palmeri are green and inconspicuous, clustered in long, dense spikes that can reach up to 2 feet long. The spikes are usually terminal, meaning they grow at the end of the stem. The seeds are small, black, and shiny, and are enclosed in a bract that splits open when the seed is mature.
Care Guide
Amaranthus Palmeri is a hardy plant that can grow in various soil types and conditions. Here are some care tips to help you grow this plant successfully:Water: Amaranthus Palmeri requires moderate watering. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.Fertilization: This plant does not require heavy fertilization. A balanced fertilizer can be applied once a month during the growing season.Soil: Amaranthus Palmeri can grow in various soil types, but it prefers well-draining soil. It can tolerate acidic to alkaline soil pH.Sunlight: This plant requires full sun exposure to grow properly.Hardiness Zones: Amaranthus Palmeri can grow in hardiness zones 2-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Amaranthus Palmeri is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be affected by some pests and diseases such as:Pests: Cutworms, flea beetles, and spider mites can affect this plant.Diseases: Downy mildew, powdery mildew, and bacterial leaf spot can affect this plant.
Habitat
Amaranthus Palmeri is native to North and Central America and is commonly found in disturbed areas such as agricultural fields, roadsides, and waste areas. It can grow in various soil types and conditions and can tolerate drought and heat.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Amaranthus Palmeri edible?
A: Yes, some people eat the leaves and seeds of this plant, but caution is advised as it can contain nitrates.Q: How long does it take for Amaranthus Palmeri to grow?
A: Amaranthus Palmeri can germinate in 3-7 days and can grow up to 6 feet tall in a few months.Q: Can Amaranthus Palmeri grow in shade?
A: No, this plant requires full sun exposure to grow properly.Q: Is Amaranthus Palmeri a weed?
A: Yes, this plant is considered a weed in some areas due to its ability to grow rapidly and compete with other plants.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Amaranthus Palmeri:
- Amaranthus caudatus
- Amaranthus cruentus
- Amaranthus retroflexus
- Amaranthus tricolor
References
- “Amaranthus palmeri.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=278695&isprofile=0&basic=Amaranthus%20palmeri.
- “Amaranthus palmeri.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed September 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=AMPA13.
- “Palmer amaranth.” University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. Accessed September 2021. https://ucanr.edu/sites/WeedID/Grass_-_Broadleaf/Weed_Details/Palmer_amaranth/.
