Roughfruit Amaranth
Amaranthus tuberculatus
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Roughfruit Amaranth (Amaranthus tuberculatus) 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.
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
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.
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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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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 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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Roughfruit Amaranth? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz