Pigweeds - REDROOT or GREEN
Redroot and green pigweed are common in southern Ontario, and are often both referred to as "redroot pigweed". They are similar in appearance and difficult to distinguish before the flowering stage. In areas where their distributions overlap, it is not uncommon to find both species growing together in the same field.
Scientific Names: Redroot pigweed, Amaranthus retroflexus L., Green pigweed, Amaranthus powelli S. Wats.,
Other Names: Redroot pigweed is also called amarante à racine rouge, Green amaranth, Pigweed, Redroot, Rough pigweed, Tall pigweed, amarante réfléchie, amarante pied rouge. Green pigweed is also called amarante de Powell, Green amaranth, Powell’s amaranth, Powell’s pigweed
Family: Amaranth Family (Amaranthaceae)
General Description: Annual, reproducing only by seed. Redroot and green pigweed are very similar in habit of growth, size and general appearance.
Habitat: Redroot pigweed is a common weed in cultivated fields, gardens, pastures, waste places, roadsides and other disturbed areas throughout Ontario. Green pigweed occurs throughout southern Ontario but is more abundant in the southwest; in some areas it is probably more important than Redroot pigweed
Seedlings
Redroot Pigweed | Green Pigweed |
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Stems
Redroot Pigweed | Green Pigweed |
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Leaves
Redroot Pigweed | Green Pigweed |
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Flowers
Redroot Pigweed | Green Pigweed |
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Often Confused With
3- Seeded Mercury
Lamb’s-Quarters (Similar in habitat, often found growing together. At first leaf stage, lamb’s-quarters has opposite leaves, pigweed’s are alternate)