Powell's amaranth, Amaranthus powellii

Powell's amaranth is native to our southwest and northern Mexico, and now grows across our continent and most everywhere else. This and other species of Amaranthus are extremely well equipped for human habitats. They follow us around like stray cats, inevitably fed by what we leave. Like cats, we are very ambivalent about them. The greens and seeds have been used for food. These days most of us, including wildflower enthusiasts try not to pay attention to amaranths. But farmers spend some effort trying to limit their numbers. Powell's amaranth grows in every state AK, AL, DE, GA, HI, KY, ND, and TN, and in AB, BC, ON, PE, QC, and SK. Ives Preserve, Lenawee Co MI, 7/30/21. Amaranth family, Amaranthaceae.