Spleen Amaranth (Amaranthus dubius)

Family: Amaranthaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Amaranthus dubius is a ANNUAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is frost tender. It is in leaf from April to October, in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Spring, Early Summer, Late Summer, Fall, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves - cooked. Used as a potherb, they are considered to be very palatable. Seed - cooked. Rather small, but very nutritious, it can be ground and used as a powder. — Used as a potherb, they are considered to be very palatable.; Rather small, but very nutritious, it can be ground and used as a powder.; The seed can be cooked whole, and becomes very gelatinous like this, but it is rather difficult to crush all of the small seeds in the mouth and thus some of the seed will pass right through the digestive system without being assimilated.

Habitat & North American Range

Naturalised in Florida where it grows in waste places and disturbed habitats at elevations of 0 - 100 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)