Water Hemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus)
Description: Erect plant up to 8' in height. Highly variable in shape and color, ranging from yellowish green, dark green to reddish green, with hairless stems.
Life Cycle: Annual
Habitat: Crop fields, disturbed areas. Prefers poorly drained soils.
Leaves: Small, lanceolate shaped glossy leaves, alternate in arrangement, 0.5"-6" long.
Flower: Narrow bracts arranged in spikes with pointed tips and no petals.
Fruit: Ovoid capsules that split cleanly around the middle to release the seed.
Root: Taproot with secondary fibrous roots.
The problem is… produces many seeds and can be pollinated over long distances. When present, it significantly reduces crop yields.
