Amaranthus blitoides
Encyclopedia
Amaranthus blitoides, commonly called Prostrate amaranth, Matweed, or Mat amaranth, is a glabrous annual plants species. It usually grows up to 0.6 m, though it may grow up to 1 m (3 feet). It flowers in the summer to fall.
It is believed to have been a native of the central or eastern United States, but it has naturalized in almost all of temperate North America
. It has also naturalized in South America
and Eurasia
. Some authorities list it as an invasive species
.
The seeds of Amaranthus blitoides were used as a food source by a number of Native American groups.
It is believed to have been a native of the central or eastern United States, but it has naturalized in almost all of temperate North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
. It has also naturalized in South America
South America
South America is a continent situated in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. The continent is also considered a subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east...
and Eurasia
Eurasia
Eurasia is a continent or supercontinent comprising the traditional continents of Europe and Asia ; covering about 52,990,000 km2 or about 10.6% of the Earth's surface located primarily in the eastern and northern hemispheres...
. Some authorities list it as an invasive species
Invasive species
"Invasive species", or invasive exotics, is a nomenclature term and categorization phrase used for flora and fauna, and for specific restoration-preservation processes in native habitats, with several definitions....
.
The seeds of Amaranthus blitoides were used as a food source by a number of Native American groups.