How much sun does California Amaranth need?

California Amaranth grows best in full sun conditions.

When does California Amaranth bloom?

California Amaranth blooms in July, August, and September.

Where is California Amaranth native?

California Amaranth (Amaranthus californicus) is native to CA, CO, ID, KS and 10 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is California Amaranth toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag California Amaranth as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does California Amaranth attract?

California Amaranth draws bees and beetles.

Is California Amaranth HOA-friendly?

California Amaranth takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

California Amaranth

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Amaranthus californicus

Last reviewed: June 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag California Amaranth as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–24" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

CA, CO, ID, KS and 10 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Sonoran Basin and Range

California amaranth is a native annual forb that grows 1 to 3 feet tall with an upright, bushy form. It produces small, dense flower clusters in summer and fall that attract beneficial insects. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in full sun locations with minimal water once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

California Amaranth takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Often perceived as weedy due to amaranth family reputation
Annual nature means gaps in landscape coverage
Informal growth habit lacks traditional garden structure

Wildlife value

The dense flower clusters provide nectar for bees and beetles during the summer blooming period. Seeds may also attract small birds later in the season.

Common questions

How much sun does California Amaranth need?: California Amaranth grows best in full sun conditions.
When does California Amaranth bloom?: California Amaranth blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is California Amaranth native?: California Amaranth (Amaranthus californicus) is native to CA, CO, ID, KS and 10 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is California Amaranth toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag California Amaranth as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does California Amaranth attract?: California Amaranth draws bees and beetles.
Is California Amaranth HOA-friendly?: California Amaranth takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow California Amaranth? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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