Bigelow’s Amaranth: A Hardy Native Annual for Southwestern Gardens
Looking for a tough, no-fuss native plant that can handle whatever Mother Nature throws at it? Meet Bigelow’s amaranth (Amaranthus bigelovii), a scrappy little annual that’s been quietly thriving in the American Southwest long before any of us started worrying about drought-tolerant gardening. This unassuming native might not win any beauty contests, but it’s got personality—and some serious survival skills.
What Is Bigelow’s Amaranth?
Bigelow’s amaranth is a native annual forb that belongs to the amaranth family. Don’t let the fancy botanical term forb intimidate you—it simply means it’s an herbaceous flowering plant that isn’t a grass or a woody shrub. Think of it as nature’s version of a reliable friend: not flashy, but always there when you need it.
This hardy little plant typically grows 1 to 3 feet tall and produces small, greenish flowers arranged in dense, somewhat drooping clusters. The stems often develop attractive reddish tones, and the narrow leaves give the plant a delicate, almost weedy appearance—but in the best possible way.
Where Does It Call Home?
Bigelow’s amaranth is a true southwestern native, naturally occurring in Louisiana, New Mexico, and Texas. If you live in these areas, you’re looking at a plant that’s perfectly adapted to your local climate and soil conditions—which means less work for you and more success in your garden.
Why Consider Growing Bigelow’s Amaranth?
Here’s where this humble plant really shines. If you’re tired of babying high-maintenance flowers or battling with plants that just won’t cooperate with your local climate, Bigelow’s amaranth might be exactly what your garden needs.
Low-Maintenance Champion
This plant thrives in conditions that would make other annuals throw in the towel. Poor soil? No problem. Forgot to water for a week? It’ll forgive you. Blazing summer heat? Bring it on.
Wildlife Magnet
While the flowers might look modest to us, they’re actually quite popular with small pollinators and beneficial insects. The seeds that follow are a favorite food source for birds, especially finches and sparrows. It’s like setting up a natural bird feeder that refills itself.
Self-Sufficient Spreader
Once established, Bigelow’s amaranth readily self-seeds, meaning you’ll likely have volunteers popping up in future seasons. This makes it perfect for naturalized areas or informal gardens where a bit of controlled wildness is welcome.
Growing Conditions and Care
The beauty of native plants is that they’re already perfectly suited to their home turf, and Bigelow’s amaranth is no exception.
USDA Hardiness Zones
This plant thrives in USDA zones 8-10, which aligns perfectly with its native range across the southwestern states.
Sunlight and Soil
- Full sun is preferred, though it can tolerate some light shade
- Adapts to various soil types, including poor, sandy, or clay soils
- Excellent drainage is important—soggy conditions are about the only thing that will upset this tough plant
- pH tolerance ranges from slightly acidic to alkaline
Watering Needs
Once established, Bigelow’s amaranth is quite drought tolerant. Water deeply but infrequently, and don’t worry if you occasionally forget—this plant is built to handle dry spells.
Planting and Propagation Tips
Getting Bigelow’s amaranth started in your garden is refreshingly straightforward:
- Direct seed in spring after the last frost date
- Scatter seeds lightly over prepared soil and barely cover them
- Keep soil lightly moist until germination occurs (usually within 1-2 weeks)
- Thin seedlings to about 6-12 inches apart if they come up too thickly
- No fertilizer needed—this plant actually prefers lean conditions
Garden Design Ideas
Bigelow’s amaranth works beautifully in several garden settings:
- Native plant gardens: Perfect companion for other southwestern natives
- Xeriscapes: Adds texture and wildlife value to drought-tolerant landscapes
- Naturalized areas: Great for meadow-style plantings or informal borders
- Wildlife gardens: Essential for bird and pollinator habitat
- Cutting gardens: The seed heads can add interesting texture to dried arrangements
Potential Drawbacks
Let’s be honest—Bigelow’s amaranth isn’t for everyone. If you prefer formal, manicured gardens or showy flowers that stop traffic, this might not be your plant. It can self-seed enthusiastically, so you’ll need to manage volunteers if you want to keep it contained. Some gardeners might find its appearance too weedy for their taste.
The Bottom Line
Bigelow’s amaranth proves that sometimes the best plants are the ones that don’t ask for much attention. If you’re gardening in its native range and want to support local wildlife while adding a resilient, authentic native to your landscape, this unassuming annual deserves a spot in your garden. It’s the kind of plant that quietly does its job, asks for little, and gives back more than you might expect.
Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about growing a plant that your local ecosystem has been counting on for centuries. In a world of garden drama queens, sometimes what you really need is a reliable friend—and that’s exactly what Bigelow’s amaranth can be.
