How much sun does Powell's Amaranth need?

Powell's Amaranth grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Powell's Amaranth bloom?

Powell's Amaranth blooms in July, August, and September.

Where is Powell's Amaranth native?

Powell's Amaranth (Amaranthus powellii) is native to AZ, CA, CO, NM and 3 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Powell's Amaranth attract?

Powell's Amaranth draws bees and beetles.

Is Powell's Amaranth HOA-friendly?

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

Powell's Amaranth

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Amaranthus powellii

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Powell's Amaranth (Amaranthus powellii) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–60" H × 6"–24" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, NM and 3 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range North American Deserts Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Powell's amaranth is a tall annual wildflower that produces dense, upright flower spikes in summer and fall. This native plant can reach up to 5 feet tall with a somewhat coarse, weedy appearance that fits better in naturalized areas than formal landscapes.

In an HOA neighborhood

Powell's 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.

Tall and weedy appearance
Can self-seed aggressively
May be mistaken for unwanted weeds

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and beetles during the long blooming period from July through September. Seeds provide food for birds in fall and winter.

Common questions

How much sun does Powell's Amaranth need?: Powell's Amaranth grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Powell's Amaranth bloom?: Powell's Amaranth blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Powell's Amaranth native?: Powell's Amaranth (Amaranthus powellii) is native to AZ, CA, CO, NM and 3 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Powell's Amaranth attract?: Powell's Amaranth draws bees and beetles.
Is Powell's Amaranth HOA-friendly?: Powell's 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz