Tropical Amaranth
Amaranthus polygonoides
Last reviewed: August 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–24" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
FL, NM, SC, TX
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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.
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