Pigweed

Pigweed is a common name for several plants species, some of which have a tendency to become weedy or invasive. The term is used in diverse regions to refer to many different plant species. Some of the species to which the name pigweed is applied include members of the Amaranthaceae family, such as Amaranthus albus, commonly known as tumble pigweed.

Description

Pigweeds are annual herbaceous plants. Most of these species originate from the tropical Americas, but they have been introduced to almost all continents in a variety of environments. The plants are often considered to be weeds by farmers and gardeners due to their invasive growth.

Species

There are several species of plants that are commonly referred to as pigweed, including:

• Amaranthus albus - Also known as tumble pigweed, this species is native to the tropical Americas, but has been introduced to Europe, Asia, and Australia.
• Amaranthus retroflexus - Known as redroot pigweed, this species is also native to the Americas and has been introduced to all continents except Antarctica.
• Amaranthus spinosus - This species, known as spiny amaranth or spiny pigweed, is native to the tropical Americas and has been introduced to Africa, Asia, Australia, and Europe.

Uses

While pigweeds are often considered to be a nuisance by farmers and gardeners, some species have uses. For example, the seeds of the Amaranthus species are edible and can be used as a grain. The leaves of some species are also edible and can be used as a leaf vegetable.

Control

Control of pigweed can be challenging due to the plant's rapid growth and prolific seed production. Methods of control can include hand-pulling, hoeing, and the use of herbicides.

See also

• Weed control
• Invasive species

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