06/02/2026
Many factors feed into how we distinguish wanted plants from undesirable ones. History, culture, and their constituent traditions, practices, and social attitudes inform, for example, why most of us grow lawns of grass rather than buckwheat, or why we consider dandelions unwanted weeds rather than free yard decorations. These same factors are at play when we decide what is appropriate for eating; edibility, interestingly, is not the only determinant.
Non-conventional edible plants are all around us, sometimes masquerading as annual flowers, trees, or common garden weeds.
One such plant is Amaranthus caudatus. This familiar annual has been a regular component of decorative garden beds in North America and Europe for generations, but has a much longer history as a cultivated vegetable. It was first domesticated around 8000 BC in Central America, and for millennia it has been a staple food crop there and in South America. Since its dispersion out of the Americas during the previous five hundred years, amaranthus has been incorporated into cuisines in Africa, Asia, and some areas of Europe. It produces edible leaves that can be eaten as greens, as well as a nutrient-dense seed that is used similarly to grain as the basis for porridges, breads, stews, etc. Amaranth caudatus is very closely related to quinoa, and is used in similar ways.
Whether your interests are culinary, decorative, or both, Glad Gardens has amaranthus for your needs. Packs of 4 plants sell for $4.99.
Photos:
1. Nahuatl man processing amaranth seeds. Florentine Codex, 1575-1577.
2. Amaranthus caudatus flower in bloom.
3. Maturing amaranth growing in planter at Glad Gardens.
4. Immature amaranth in sale packs at Glad Gardens.
