prostrate composite image

Prostrate Pigweed

Low-growing, sprawling plants, populations have been found to one herbicide group in the U.S. outside of the New England and Mid-Atlantic regions...

Prostrate Pigweed

Amaranthus blitoides

Leaves: Obovate- to spatulate shaped with v-shaped variegation present. Leaf petioles are shorter or no longer than the leaf blade. 

Stems: Green to red/purple and hairless; stems can be flexible. 

Height: 0.5-2 feet in diameter with low sprawling appearance. 

Flowers: Male and female flowers are produced on the same plant (monoecious). Inflorescences consist of tight clusters with spiny bracts emerging from leaf axils.  

Herbicide resistances in US: WSSA Groups 5. 

Herbicide resistances in Mid Atlantic and New England: None Reported.

Resistance information updated April 2025.

prostrate pigweed plant
prostrate pigweed growing out of sidewalk crack

Images above: Prostrate pigweed plants can have green to reddish-purple, flexible stems and low, spreading habit.

prostrate plant
prostrate stem

Images above: Sprawling growth habit is typical of prostrate pigweed (left). Prostrate pigweed stem (right).

prostrate pigweed leaves with variegation
prostrate pigweed leaves

Images above: Prostrate pigweed leaves are obovate- to spatulate shaped with v-shaped variegation. Leaf petioles are shorter or no longer than the leaf blade. 

prostrate pigweed flowers in leaf axil
prostrate pigweed flowers

Images above: Prostrate pigweed inflorescences consist of tight clusters with spiny bracts emerging from leaf axils. Male and female flowers are produced on the same plant (monoecious).