Torrey's amaranthus

Amaranthus torreyi

Physical Characteristics

Amaranthus torreyi is a ANNUAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is frost tender. 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. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

N. America - Nebraska to Nevada, south to Mexico.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Edible Uses: Torrey’s amaranth provides edible leaves and seeds, as with most species in the genus. The young leaves are tender and nutritious, suitable for cooking like spinach or used in mixed salads when fresh. Their flavor is typical of amaranths—mild and green, sometimes slightly bitter if older. Boiling improves texture and reduces any harshness [2-3]. The seeds are the real value, as they are abundant and nutrient-dense. Small, shiny, and typically black, they can be toasted, boiled into porridge, ground into flour, or pressed into seed cakes. Like other amaranths, they are a complete protein source, making them especially valuable as a wild grain [2-3]. Edibility Rating: 4/5 – A good wild edible, though less abundant than other weedy species like A. retroflexus or A. palmeri [2-3]. Leaves - cooked[46, 85, 105, 161]. Used as a spinach. Seed - cooked[46, 85, 105, 161]. Very small and fiddly, but the seed is very nutritious. 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[K].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

No members of this genus are known to be poisonous, but when grown on nitrogen-rich soils they are known to concentrate nitrates in the leaves. This is especially noticeable on land where chemical fertilizers are used. Nitrates are implicated in stomach cancers, blue babies and some other health problems. It is inadvisable, therefore, to eat this plant if it is grown inorganically.