Purple Amaranth Amaranthus blitum

Livid amaranth, in the family Amaranthaceae, is a summer annual pigweed, distinguished by a prostrate to ascending growth habit (most pigweeds grow upright) and a notch or cleft at the tip of the leaf blade.  Livid amaranth appears to be increasing in abundance in the Southeast.  Most infestations begin with plants growing on the borders of plant beds which spread to containers. Manage weeds with preemergence and postemergence herbicides to prevent spread.

In some cultures, it is harvested to be used as a cooked leaf vegetable.  Other uses include medicinal, such as treating inflammations, boils and abscesses.

This plant is also known under the Latin name A. lividus.

Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems:  Stem rot is the main disease affecting this plant.  Caterpillars and grasshoppers can cause serious damage.  Other insects that may cause damage are aphids, leafminers, stinkbugs, mole crickets, and mites, however, the damage from these insects is minor.