Common Tumbleweed

Common Tumbleweed Overview

Amaranthus albus is a herbaceous annual plant with a clumping habit. It is in the amaranth family, Amaranthaceae and it is known by multiple common names including Common Tumbleweed, Tumble Pigweed, White Amaranth and White Pigweed. The flowers are tiny and green-white, sometimes pink in colour and both male and female flowers are produced in the same clump of plants. Leaves are green in colour, with toothed, wavy-margined edges. Originating from North America, this species is considered very competitive due to its fast-growing, vigorous nature. It has a strong branching habit and typically grows to around 50cm in height. This plant forms tumbleweeds after dying, if allowed to dry out. Tumbleweed can be a problematic agricultural and environmental weed in certain locations such as Australia.