Spreading Pigweed
Amaranthus graecizans
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Spreading Pigweed (Amaranthus graecizans) 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"–24" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native alternatives to Spreading Pigweed
Spreading Pigweed 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 areaSpreading pigweed is a low-growing annual wildflower that forms spreading mats of small, oval leaves. It produces tiny, inconspicuous greenish flowers from summer through early fall and tolerates drought conditions well.
In an HOA neighborhood
Spreading Pigweed 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.
- Commonly considered a weed by most homeowners
- Spreads aggressively and can look unkempt
- Name includes 'pigweed' which has negative associations
Wildlife value
This plant provides seeds for birds and small mammals in late summer and fall. The flowers offer pollen for small native bees and beneficial insects.
Common questions
- How much sun does Spreading Pigweed need?
- Spreading Pigweed grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Spreading Pigweed bloom?
- Spreading Pigweed blooms in June, July, August, and September.
- Is Spreading Pigweed HOA-friendly?
- Spreading Pigweed 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 Spreading Pigweed? 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