Species PlantsRedroot Pigweed

Redroot Pigweed

Amaranthus retroflexus

CommonPlant
Illustration of Redroot Pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus)

Redroot Pigweed is a widespread annual weed of agricultural fields, gardens, and disturbed areas across North America. Though often considered a nuisance, it is an important food source for many ground-feeding birds. Mourning doves, horned larks, and sparrows all consume the abundant seeds. Indigenous peoples used the seeds as a grain crop.

Habitat
Agricultural fields, gardens, and disturbed areas across North America
Diet
Seeds eaten in large quantities by mourning doves, horned larks, and sparrows
How common
Common

Best time to see a Redroot Pigweed

The best time to see a Redroot Pigweed is July–September, when about 71% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,780 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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