Purple (Livid) Pigweed

Amaranthus blitum

Leaves: Obovate- to spatulate- to rhombic shaped with a unique deep notched leaf tip and smooth leaf margin. V- shaped variegation absent. Leaf petioles are shorter or no longer than the leaf blade.

Stems: Green to red/ brown and are smooth.

Height: 1-3 feet wide with a prostrate- to bushy appearance.

Flowers: Male and female flowers are produced on the same plant (monoecious). Inflorescences consist of loose clustered terminal flowers with unbranched tighter clustered flowers found emerging from leaf axils.

Herbicide resistances in US: WSSA Groups 2.

Herbicide resistances in Mid Atlantic and New England: WSSA Groups 2 (NJ).

Resistance information updated April 2025.

purple amaranth leaves — Purple amaranth leaves

Images above: Purple amaranth has distinctive leaves with wedge-shaped base (left) and a deeply notched tip, often with a single stiff leaf hair (right).

purple amaranth flowers — Purple amaranth flowers

Images above: Purple amaranth stems are smooth, green to white and many branched (left). Plants bear both male and female flowers on terminal flowerheads and at the base of leaves (right).

Images above: Purple amaranth in bean field (left) and infesting a landscape planting (right).