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Description

The leaves, stems and seeds of Palmer amaranth or carelessweed are edible and highly nutritious. The leaves are cooked as a spinach. The seed is also cooked and then used with cereal flours in porridge and breads. It is native to most of the southern half of North America. Common names, including carelessweed, dioecious amaranth, Palmer's amaranth, Palmer amaranth, and Palmer's pigweed.

Amaranthus palmeri is a ANNUAL growing to 0.9 m .
It is hardy to zone 8 and is frost tender. The species is monoecious and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light , medium and heavy soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know how well it will grow in Britain, though it should succeed as a spring-sown annual. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a well-drained fertile soil in a sunny position. Requires a hot sheltered position if it is to do well. Plants should not be given inorganic fertilizers, see notes above on toxicity. Most if not all members of this genus photosynthesize by a more efficient method than most plants. Called the 'C4 carbon-fixation pathway', this process is particularly efficient at high temperatures, in bright sunlight and under dry conditions.

HabitatsWaste places and fields at low elevations
Habitatsalso in interior valleys and deserts in California.
HabitatsCultivated Beds
HabitatsCultivated Beds
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