How much sun does Tropical Amaranth need?

Tropical Amaranth grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Tropical Amaranth bloom?

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

Where is Tropical Amaranth native?

Tropical Amaranth (Amaranthus polygonoides) is native to FL, NM, SC, TX, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Tropical Amaranth HOA-friendly?

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

Tropical Amaranth

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Amaranthus polygonoides

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Tropical Amaranth (Amaranthus polygonoides) 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 × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

FL, NM, SC, TX

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Chihuahuan Deserts Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain

Tropical amaranth is a low-growing annual forb that reaches 6-24 inches tall with a compact 4-12 inch spread. It thrives in full sun with minimal water requirements and blooms from June through September. This drought-tolerant plant produces small flowers during the summer months.

In an HOA neighborhood

Tropical Amaranth takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Annual growth habit creates gaps and bare spots
Amaranth family often considered weedy by HOAs
May self-seed unpredictably in landscape beds

Wildlife value

As an amaranth species, it likely provides seeds for birds and small wildlife. The summer blooms may attract some pollinators, though specific pollinator relationships are not well documented for this species.

Common questions

How much sun does Tropical Amaranth need?: Tropical Amaranth grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Tropical Amaranth bloom?: Tropical Amaranth blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Tropical Amaranth native?: Tropical Amaranth (Amaranthus polygonoides) is native to FL, NM, SC, TX, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Tropical Amaranth HOA-friendly?: Tropical 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.

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