| Amaranthus deflexus | Amaranthaceae | Perennial Pigweed |
Description - This is a low-growing plant, sprawling over the ground, with reddish-green flower-spikes, the small flowers having no obvious petals. The leaves are unusual in having a shallow notch at the apex. It often has a dusty appearance, but this is probably due to the places where we usually see it.
Habitat - Best known for growing in the cracks of the pavements and between walls and tarmac on the north side of the Bridge. I have also seen it on a vinery site, just outside a greenhouse where weed-killer had previously been applied, and also as a weed inside.
Comments - First recorded here in 1970, it is found in the south of England as a casual alien. It originates in North America, but is naturalised over much of Europe.
Click on the photo for a larger image
| La Société Guernesiaise | Guernsey Biological Records Centre | Botany Section | Species list | Previous Species | Next Species |