Slender Amaranth
Amaranthus viridis
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Slender Amaranth (Amaranthus viridis) 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
low
Size
6"–36" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Native alternatives to Slender Amaranth
Slender Amaranth is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
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 areaSlender amaranth is a fast-growing annual herb that produces small, inconspicuous green flower spikes from late spring through fall. This compact plant typically stays under 3 feet tall with a narrow, upright growth habit.
In an HOA neighborhood
Slender 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 considered a weed by conventional standards
- Self-seeds readily and can spread
- Very informal appearance doesn't match typical landscaping expectations
Wildlife value
The seeds provide food for small birds and the flowers attract beneficial insects, though it's not a major pollinator plant.
Common questions
- How much sun does Slender Amaranth need?
- Slender Amaranth grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Slender Amaranth bloom?
- Slender Amaranth blooms in May, June, July, August, September, and October.
- Is Slender Amaranth HOA-friendly?
- Slender Amaranth takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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 Slender 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