// SPECIES PROFILE · ANNUAL · NATIVE

Spiny amaranth

Amaranthus spinosus

Spiny amaranth (Amaranthus spinosus) is a annual in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2b–13a. Mature size 29"–6'. Blooms Jul–Oct.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: annual
Native range: Native to 36 U.S. states, including AL, AR, CA, CT, DC, DE…
USDA hardiness: Zones 2b–13a
Mature size: 29"–6'
Sun: —
Water: —
Bloom: Jul–Oct
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Spiny amaranth (Amaranthus spinosus) — *Amaranthus spinosus* — Spiny amaranth. Photo via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Spiny amaranth (Amaranthus spinosus) is a annual in the — family. Native range includes AR, KS, MO, OK. Hardy in zones 2b–13a. Mature size 29"–6'. Blooms Jul–Oct.

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, spiny amaranth pairs naturally with: Common Sunflower (Helianthus annuus), Slim amaranth (Amaranthus hybridus), American burnweed (Erechtites hieraciifolius var. hieraciifolius), Dwarf st. john's-wort (Hypericum mutilum).