Pigweed

DESCRIPTION: The genus Amaranthus, commonly known as pigweed, has approximately 60 species (Amaranthus). The assorted species are classified as weeds and grow in full sun and moist soil (Redroot). Pigweed is native to Central America but is found all over North America (Redroot). It grows annually in the summer and is killed by frost. Pigweed is usually between two and four feet tall but can grow to be six and a half feet tall in some areas (Redroot). Pigweed grows in central stems with oval leaves, small green spiked flowers, and small rounded black seeds (Redroot). The plant is edible. The leaves are eaten raw like spinach or used for tea (Amaranth). The seeds are ground into flour, used for gruel, roasted into a beverage, and fermented into beer and have an extremely high in calcium, protein, and fiber (Amaranth). Medicinal oil can be made from pigweed (Amaranth). This oil is used as an ointment for burns, wrinkles, rashes, acne, and hives (Amaranth). The oils can also be used to sooth stomachs, relieve colon inflammation, and to stop hemorrhages, diarrhea, and excessive menstrual bleeding (Amaranth). Pigweed is also eaten by livestock and used in ceremonies related to the heart or blood (Amaranth).

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Amaranth. Kundlai- Tantra Herbal Lecture Series. Electronic Document. http://www.covencentral.com/html/ccamaranth1.html
Amaranthus. . 2003. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services plants profile. Electronic Document. http://plants.usda.gov/cgi_bin/plant_profile.cgi?symbol=AMARA accessed on 3/4/2003
Redroot Pigweed: Amaranthus retroflexus. Virginia Tech Weed Identification Guide. Electronic Document. http://www.ppus.vt.edu/scott/weed_id/amare.htm

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This page was authored by Megan Mullen