Common Tumbleweed
Amaranthus albus
Also known as
Tumble Pigweed, Prostrate Pigweed, Pigweed Amaranth, White Amaranth, White Pigweed, Pigweed, Stiff Tumbleweed, White Amaranth, White Pigweed, Tumbleweed Amaranth
Amaranthus albus 3 by Stan Shebs (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Full Sun
Moderate watering
Half-hardy
10a
USDA zone
-1°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
---|---|---|
70cm | Max | 60cm |
10cm | Min | 20cm |
1 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter


More images of 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.
Common problems with Common Tumbleweed
How to propagate Common Tumbleweed
Seed
Cuttings
Special features of Common Tumbleweed
Attractive leaves
Other uses of Common Tumbleweed
Grown for the dense panicles of tiny flowers or for their colourful foliage as an ornamental. Also grown for culinary use, as the foliage of all varieties is edible and highly nutritious and tastes like spinach. The seeds are also edible and can be used as a cereal.
Edible
The leaves may be eaten.