How much sun does Roughfruit Amaranth need?

Roughfruit Amaranth grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Roughfruit Amaranth bloom?

Roughfruit Amaranth blooms in June, July, August, and September.

Where is Roughfruit Amaranth native?

Roughfruit Amaranth (Amaranthus tuberculatus) is native to AL, AR, CT, IA and 22 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Roughfruit Amaranth toxic to livestock?

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

What pollinators does Roughfruit Amaranth attract?

Roughfruit Amaranth draws beetles.

Is Roughfruit Amaranth HOA-friendly?

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

Roughfruit Amaranth

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Amaranthus tuberculatus

Last reviewed: June 2026

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

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

24"–80" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, CT, IA and 22 more states

Pollinators

beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains

Roughfruit amaranth is a tall annual wildflower that produces dense clusters of small greenish flowers from summer through early fall. This native plant can reach impressive heights but may appear weedy to some observers due to its coarse texture and informal growth habit.

In an HOA neighborhood

Roughfruit 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.

Very tall growth appears weedy
Coarse texture lacks ornamental appeal
May be mistaken for agricultural weed

Wildlife value

The long blooming period provides nectar for beetles and other small pollinators throughout the growing season. Seeds are valuable food for birds in late summer and fall.

Common questions

How much sun does Roughfruit Amaranth need?: Roughfruit Amaranth grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Roughfruit Amaranth bloom?: Roughfruit Amaranth blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Roughfruit Amaranth native?: Roughfruit Amaranth (Amaranthus tuberculatus) is native to AL, AR, CT, IA and 22 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Roughfruit Amaranth toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Roughfruit Amaranth as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Roughfruit Amaranth attract?: Roughfruit Amaranth draws beetles.
Is Roughfruit Amaranth HOA-friendly?: Roughfruit 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 Roughfruit Amaranth? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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