Meet the Foxtail Amaranth
Foxtail Amaranth | Amaranthus caudatus
How do you know it’s me?:
I am a medium-sized, annual plant.
My blooms are slender spikes. They typically grow to hang in long tassels, and don’t have any petals.
My leaves are alternate and pointed-oval shaped.
I have thick, smooth stems, that can develop a celery or rhubarb-like texture as the plant matures.
How big do I grow?: 3’ - 5’ height and 1’ - 2’ spread.
Sun-seeker or shade-lover: Full sun to part shade, though I prefer afternoon shade in hot summer climates.
Where I prefer to put my roots: Moist, well-drained soil. I am drought tolerant.
Hardiness: Zone 2-11
Original home: I am native to the Andes region of South America.
Colors: My blooms can be yellow-green, gold, red, or burgundy in color. My leaves can also have a maroon hue.
When I bloom: From summer until frost.
Wildlife friends: Birds enjoy my seeds!
Flora Fun Facts: My blooms work well as a cut flower or dried flower, for whimsical look.
More Info: This alien-like plant is bound to catch the eye of passerby purely because of its unique, drooping blooms. They hang in thick ropes from sturdy stems, in groups like the head of a mop.
This plant goes by many names, including “Love-Lies Bleeding,” “Pendant Amaranth,” “Tassel Flower,” and “Velvet Flower”
A member of the Amaranthaceae family.
The seeds and leaves are edible, and other types of Amaranth (sometimes this one as well) are grown for grain or as a vegetable.
The Greek word “Amarantos” means unfading - a reference to the long blooming season of this plant.
A great choice for an accent plant, vegetable garden or flower border.
