Redroot
Amaranthus retroflexus
Last reviewed: July 2026
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–48" H × 6"–24" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CA, CO and 40 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Redroot amaranth is a tall annual wildflower that produces dense, upright spikes of tiny greenish flowers from summer through fall. This native plant has a somewhat coarse appearance and can grow quite large, reaching up to 4 feet in height with a bushy, spreading habit.
In an HOA neighborhood
Redroot 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 considered a weed due to aggressive self-seeding
- Coarse, unrefined appearance looks wild and unkempt
- Can become very tall and dominating in landscape beds
Wildlife value
The flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees and beetles during late summer and fall. Seeds are valuable food for birds, particularly songbirds and game birds.
Common questions
- How much sun does Redroot need?
- Redroot grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Redroot bloom?
- Redroot blooms in July, August, and September.
- Where is Redroot native?
- Redroot (Amaranthus retroflexus) is native to AL, AR, CA, CO and 40 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Redroot attract?
- Redroot draws bees and beetles.
- Is Redroot HOA-friendly?
- Redroot 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 Redroot? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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