Powell's amaranth, Amaranthus powellii

Powell's amaranth is a southwestern native that has introduced itself to most of the rest of us. It particularly likes to hang out with farmers. So much so, that it develops new strains that resist herbicides. Remind you of another adaptive organism these days? In the past, before we became somewhat blind to plants that don't wave at us with their petals, amaranths were more valued. They were prolific and hardy sources of grain and greens. Powell's now grows in all states except AK, AL, DE, GA, HI, KY, ND, and TN, and is in AB, BC, ON, PE, QC, and SK. Lenawee Co MI, 8/12/11.