Family: Amaranthaceae
Genus: Amaranthus
Species: Amaranthus caudatus
Common names: love-lies-bleeding, pendant amaranth, tassel flower, velvet flower, foxtail amaranth, and quilete. Swedish name: rävsvans
Amaranthus caudatus is an annual plant which descends from South America. It is edible and the grain crop is an important source of food in India, some parts of West Africa and South America (where it is called kiwicha). It is rich in nutrients and high in protein. On top of all it is a gluten-free grain and classified as a superfood.
Amaranthus caudatus. Photo: M a n u e l ©
Description: There are a wide range of Amaranthus varieties with different characteristics. ‘Pony Tails’ and ‘Viridis’ (green tail) are two common varieties to buy from seed.
How to grow: Grow it in full or part sun. Amaranthus tolerates high heat and any soil as long as drainage is good. For faster growth and more flowers it needs water regularly. It does tolerate some drought once established. Since it is frost sensitive you have to wait until the ground has warmed up before planting it. You may plant the seeds directly in the garden bed or start it up indoors and then put it out. It is a large plant which takes its place. Use it as a centerpiece in a garden bed or in a large container. Why not making it a part of your edible garden? It is also suitable for a wildlife garden since it attracts birds. Amaranthus may become a weed in some regions. But in Sweden and other temperate areas that will not be a problem.
Recipe:
- Stir fried Amaranthus greens with garlic
- 12 Delicious Amaranth Recipes how about Amaranth Pancakes or Amaranth Patties?
© The photo is licensed by Creative Commons and some rights are reserved. License Attribution 2.0
My Green Nook 
I was just discussing this plant with a friend the other day. She likes to cook it. You have such an informative blog. 🙂
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Thank you! I hope you will try it 🙂
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I’ve heard of amaranthus, but never seen it–cool plant!
Rebecca at The Ninja Librarian
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Yepp it is pretty cool 🙂
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It’s gorgeous… and new to me.
Thanks for such an informative post.
Wendy at Wendy of The Rock
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Thank you. It is a lovely plant to grow and enjoy.
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It looks like spray millet. Is it a grain, then? If nothing else, it’s pretty.
N J Magas, author
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They look very similar. I had to look up millet which is a true grain. Amaranthus is not a true grain. Since grains always come from grasses. But some, like me, call the seeds grain since they are used the same way.
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I only know millet because I feed it to my bird. Interetsing though. The more you know.
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It always is! You give me the book goodies and I hope you enjoy my plants 🙂
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So, I learned today that there is such a thing as “superfoods.” Thank you!
Also, Amaranth just reminds me of the Nightwish song. Great song.
Happy A to Z!
@TarkabarkaHolgy from
Multicolored Diary – Epics from A to Z
MopDog – 26 Ways to Die in Medieval Hungary
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I have listend to Nightwish and like them. But somehow I have missed the Amaranth song. I had to look it up and watch the video. It was great!
Thank you for sharing this song with me.
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Such an interesting plant – and a great photo. Enjoy the A-Z Challenge!
Faye at Destination: Fiction
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It is lovely and I learned a lot about it myself while writing the post. I have used it in annual garden arrangements but never knew all the uses for it.
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These are beautiful and I have the perfect place in our yard for them. I’m going to see if I can find them at a local nursery. Thank you!
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Thank you for stopping by. I hope you find the plants or seeds. I would love to hear how it goes. Happy gardening!
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On top of all that good stuff like gluten free and super food, it is really pretty. Welcome to AtoZ 2015.
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Thank you Rhonda! Yes, it is a beauty. I really like them especially the one on the picture. When a breeze sweeps through it all the tails start to “dance” – lovely.
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