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Amaranth

Amaranth is the common name for plants in the genus *Amaranthus*, a group of flowering plants in the family Amaranthaceae.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Amaranth is the common name for plants in the genus *Amaranthus*, a group of flowering plants in the family Amaranthaceae. The genus includes many species found nearly worldwide, some grown as leafy vegetables, ornamentals, weeds, or for their edible seeds used as a pseudocereal.

Description

*Amaranthus* is a genus of annual flowering plants. Species vary widely in appearance and use, ranging from food crops to weeds and ornamental plants.

Distribution and origin

The genus is distributed nearly worldwide, with a large share of its diversity native to the Americas. Several sources describe the group as originating in the Americas or Central America.

Food uses

Some amaranth species are grown for their edible leaves and seeds. The seeds are nutritious and used as a pseudocereal, while the leaves are eaten as a leafy vegetable in many regions.

Agricultural and cultural importance

Amaranth has a long history of cultivation and was a staple crop in pre-Columbian societies, including the Aztec and Inca civilizations. It is still grown in tropical and subtropical regions and used in both human and animal diets.

Key facts

  • Amaranth belongs to the genus *Amaranthus* and the family Amaranthaceae.
  • The genus includes about 60–70 species distributed nearly worldwide, many native to the Americas.
  • Several species are cultivated for edible leaves and seeds, with seeds classed as a pseudocereal.
  • Some amaranth species are known as pigweed, while others are grown as ornamentals.
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Canadian context

Amaranth is relevant to Canadian readers as a niche grain, leafy vegetable, and garden plant that is sometimes grown in home gardens and specialty agriculture. It is also of interest in discussions of gluten-free foods and crop diversification.

Frequently asked questions

Is amaranth a true grain?
No. Amaranth seeds are used like grain, but the plant is not in the grass family, so it is classified as a pseudocereal.
How many species of amaranth are there?
Sources give a range of about 60–70 species in the genus *Amaranthus*.
What parts of the plant are eaten?
Both the leaves and the seeds are eaten. The leaves are used as a vegetable, and the seeds are processed and cooked like grain.
Where does amaranth come from?
The genus is widely distributed, and many species are native to the Americas; some sources say the plant originated in Central America.
Is amaranth related to pigweed?
Yes. Some species in the genus are commonly called pigweed.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amaranth
    Supports: Common-name usage, genus name, and pigweed reference.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/Amaranthus
    Supports: Species count, family, worldwide distribution, and food uses.
  3. Kentucky State University — https://www.kysu.edu/documents/college-of-agriculture-communities-the-sciences/amaranth_faq_012224_accessible.pdf
    Supports: Historical use as food crop, origin in the Americas, and nutritional notes.
  4. Crop Trust — https://www.croptrust.org/knowledge-hub/crops/amaranth/
    Supports: Origin in Central America, pseudocereal status, historical cultivation, and current regions of use.
  5. Frontiers in Plant Science — https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2026.1716624/full
    Supports: Native range in the Americas, species diversity, and uses of seeds and leaves.
  6. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach — https://www.extension.iastate.edu/alternativeag/amaranth
    Supports: Species used for grain, weeds, ornamentals, and nutritional value.
  7. USDA Agricultural Research Service — https://www.ars.usda.gov/ARSUserFiles/50301000/Reference_Documents/Amaranth.pdf
    Supports: Approximate species count and uses as grain, foliage, and ornamentals.
  8. University of Florida IFAS — https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/vegetables/amaranth/
    Supports: Leafy vegetable use and common names.