Amaranthus hybridus

Distribution

Amaranthus hybridus was originally a pioneer plant in eastern North America. It has been reported to have been found in every state except Wyoming, Utah, and Alaska. It is also found in many provinces of Canada, and in parts of Mexico, the West Indies, Central America, and South America. It has been naturalized in many places of warmer climate. It grows in many different places, including disturbed habitats.

Taxonomy

It is extremely variable, and many other Amaranthus species are believed to be natural hybridizations or derive from A. hybridus.

As a weed

Although easily controlled and not particularly competitive, it is recognized as a harmful weed of North American crops.

Uses

The seeds and cooked leaves are edible.

The plant was used for food and medicine by several Native American groups and in traditional African medicine. It is among the species consumed as Quelite quintonil in Mexican food markets. It has weak antimicrobial activity, but contains promising anti-cancer phytochemicals.