False Amaranth: What You Need to Know About This Uncommon Annual
If you’ve stumbled across the name false amaranth in your gardening research, you might be wondering what exactly this plant is and whether it belongs in your garden. Known botanically as Digera, false amaranth is one of those plants that doesn’t get much attention in mainstream gardening circles – and there might be good reasons for that.
What Is False Amaranth?
False amaranth is an annual forb, which is just a fancy way of saying it’s a non-woody plant that completes its entire life cycle in one growing season. As a forb, it lacks the significant woody tissue that you’d find in shrubs or trees, instead producing soft, herbaceous growth that dies back each year.
This plant belongs to the broader amaranth family, though it’s earned the false designation to distinguish it from true amaranths that are more commonly grown in gardens.
Native Status and Where It Grows
Here’s where things get a bit complicated: false amaranth isn’t actually native to the United States. It’s what botanists call a non-native or introduced species that has managed to establish itself and reproduce on its own in the wild. Currently, it’s been documented growing in New Jersey, though its presence may be limited even there.
Since this plant reproduces spontaneously without human intervention and persists in the landscape, it’s considered naturalized rather than simply cultivated.
Should You Grow False Amaranth?
This is where we need to be honest: there isn’t a compelling case for actively seeking out and planting false amaranth in your garden. Here’s why:
- Limited availability and information about cultivation requirements
- Uncertain ecological impact as a non-native species
- Unknown benefits to pollinators and wildlife
- Better native alternatives readily available
While false amaranth isn’t currently listed as invasive or noxious, the lack of information about its behavior in garden settings and its non-native status suggest it’s better to choose plants with known benefits and predictable growth habits.
Native Alternatives to Consider
Instead of false amaranth, consider these fantastic native alternatives that offer similar or better benefits:
- Native amaranths like Palmer’s amaranth or smooth pigweed
- Native annual wildflowers suited to your region
- Indigenous forbs that support local wildlife and pollinators
These alternatives will give you the satisfaction of supporting your local ecosystem while providing reliable garden performance.
The Bottom Line
While false amaranth might sound intriguing, it falls into that category of plants that are better left to botanists and researchers rather than home gardeners. With so many wonderful native options available that offer known benefits to wildlife, reliable growing characteristics, and local adaptation, there’s little reason to seek out this uncommon annual.
If you’re drawn to the amaranth family, explore the many native species that can provide seeds for wildlife, interesting foliage, and easy-care growing habits – all while supporting your local ecosystem. Your garden (and local wildlife) will thank you for it!
