Prince’s-feather (Amaranthus hypochondriacus, Sp. Pl.: 991 (1753))

Family: Amaranthaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 991 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Amaranthus

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. U.S.A. to Mexico

Description

Prince’s-feather, scientifically known as Amaranthus hypochondriacus, is a strikingly beautiful plant that garners much attention for its bold and vibrant features. This plant was first designated its scientific nomenclature by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum,” published in 1753.

Originating from Central United States and extending its natural habitat to Mexico, Prince’s-feather is a proud member of the Amaranthaceae family. The plant is celebrated not just for its ornamental value but also for its resilience and adaptability, thriving in a variety of conditions that would challenge less hardy species. Its robust nature allows it to flourish in diverse climates, contributing to its widespread cultivation.

Prince’s-feather is easily distinguishable by its tall, erect stems adorned with feathery inflorescences that can range in color from deep reds and purples to bright pinks. These dense, plume-like flower spikes give the plant its common name, evoking the regal imagery of a prince’s plume adorned in a ceremonial feathered hat. The vivid flowers not only capture the eye but also attract pollinators, making it an eco-friendly choice for gardeners looking to support local ecosystems.

This versatile plant can be used in various landscapes, whether as a focal point in a garden bed or as part of a mixed border. It has traditionally held value not only as an ornamental plant but also in agricultural contexts, where it has been cultivated for its nutrient-rich seeds. In some regions, these seeds are ground into flour, contributing to its status as a multifunctional species.

Overall, Prince’s-feather represents a blend of aesthetic charm and practical utility, making it a cherished plant in many cultures and gardens around the world.

Common Names

Fra: amarante hypocondriaque
Eng: prince of wales-feather, prince’s-feather, prince’s-feather amaranth, prince-of-wales feather, prince-of-wales-feather
Deu: trauer-amarant, trauer-fuchsschwanz
Spa: amarant, amaranto, bledo, blet, blet punxent, marxant
Por: bredo
Ell: glintos
Ces: laskavec
Hun: piros amaránt
Swe: toppamarant
Cym: blodyn amor pruddglwyfus
En: Prince’s-feather, Prince’s-feather amaranth, Prince of Wales-feather, Prince-of-Wales feather, Prince-of-Wales-feather, Red Cockscomb, Amaranth, Prince’s Feather, Prince’s Feather Amaranth, Grain amaranth
Ar: قطيفة شبه غضروفية
Zh: Qian sui gu, 千穗谷
Cs: Laskavec červenoklasý, Laskavec
Fi: Meksikonrevonhäntä, Amarantti
Fr: Amarante hypocondriaque, Amarante hybride
De: Trauer-Fuchsschwanz, Trauer-Amarant, Prinzenfeder-Fuchsschwanz
El: Glintos
Hu: Piros amaránt
It: Amaranto a spiga verde, Code rosso
Pt: Bredo
Es: Alegría, Huantli, Amarant, Amaranto, Bledo, Blet, Blet punxent, Marxant
Sv: Toppamarant
Zh-tw: 千穗谷
Zh-hant: 千穗谷
Cy: Blodyn amor pruddglwyfus

Synonyms

• Amaranthus anardana (Buch.-Ham. ex Moq.)
• Amaranthus hybridus f. hypochondriacus ((L.) H.Rob.)
• Amaranthus bernhardii (Moq.)
• Amaranthus leucospermus (S.Watson)
• Amaranthus hybridus subsp. hypochondriacus ((L.) Thell.)
• Amaranthus leucocarpus (S.Watson)
• Amaranthus monstrosus (Moq.)
• Amaranthus hypochondriacus var. macrostachys (Moq.)
• Amaranthus frumentaceus (Buch.-Ham. ex Roxb.)
• Amaranthus hybridus var. erythrostachys (Moq.)
• Amaranthus hybridus var. leucocarpus ((S.Watson) Hunz.)
• Amaranthus hypochondriacus var. tortuosus (Moq.)
• Amaranthus macrostachyus (Mérat ex Moq.)
• Amaranthus atrosanguineus (Moq.)
• Amaranthus hypochondriacus var. racemosus (Moq.)
• Amaranthus hybridus (Vell.)
• Amaranthus hybridus var. hypochondriacus ((L.) H.Rob.)
• Amaranthus hypochondriacus var. monstrosus (Moq.)

Distribution

• Kansas (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• Texas (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Illinois (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Inner Mongolia (introduced)
• Iran (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Kenya (introduced)
• Kriti (introduced)
• KwaZulu-Natal (introduced)
• Lebanon-Syria (introduced)
• Manchuria (introduced)
• Manitoba (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Morocco (introduced)
• Nauru (introduced)
• Nepal (introduced)
• Netherlands (introduced)
• New Mexico (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)
• North Caucasus (introduced)
• Northern Provinces (introduced)
• Norway (introduced)
• Ontario (introduced)
• Pakistan (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Québec (introduced)
• Romania (introduced)
• Sardegna (introduced)
• Sicilia (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Sri Lanka (introduced)
• Swaziland (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)
• Utah (introduced)
• Vanuatu (introduced)
• Vermont (introduced)
• West Himalaya (introduced)
• West Virginia (introduced)
• Xinjiang (introduced)
• Zaïre (introduced)
• Alberta (introduced)
• Algeria (introduced)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Arizona (introduced)
• Austria (introduced)
• Baltic States (introduced)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• British Columbia (introduced)
• Bulgaria (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Cameroon (introduced)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• Chad (introduced)
• China North-Central (introduced)
• China South-Central (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Congo (introduced)
• Cook Is. (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Denmark (introduced)
• East Aegean Is. (introduced)
• East European Russia (introduced)
• East Himalaya (introduced)
• Finland (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Greece (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Inner Mongolia (introduced)
• Iran (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Kenya (introduced)
• Kriti (introduced)
• KwaZulu-Natal (introduced)
• Lebanon-Syria (introduced)
• Manchuria (introduced)
• Manitoba (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Michigan (introduced)
• Morocco (introduced)
• Nauru (introduced)
• Nepal (introduced)
• Netherlands (introduced)
• New Mexico (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)
• North Caucasus (introduced)
• Northern Provinces (introduced)
• Norway (introduced)
• Ontario (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Québec (introduced)
• Romania (introduced)
• Sicilia (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Sri Lanka (introduced)
• Swaziland (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)
• Utah (introduced)
• Vanuatu (introduced)
• Vermont (introduced)
• West Himalaya (introduced)
• West Virginia (introduced)
• Xinjiang (introduced)
• Zaïre (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Oct 20, 2020 by bertran joan carles (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 20, 2022 by stefano fortuna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 9, 2021 by Pieter Verbrugghe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 2020 by Francesco Bonaduce (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 14, 2017 by Michel Nialon (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 26, 2022 by Jardin Des Cocagnous (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 29, 2020 by Brett Millen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 31, 2022 by Stefanie Brandt (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2021 by Jorge Cancela (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 14, 2022 by Mayoge Bukapuka (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 23, 2022 by Céline Barbieri (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 29, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 28, 2022 by Ozoda Saminova (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2020 by Antoine Ambard (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Sep 7, 2019 by Miguel Blanco Marigorta (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2022 by Dániel Sudár (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 10, 2021 by Arba khanam (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2022 by Hmdy Akn (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 30, 2015 by Iñaki Elejalde (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 14, 2019 by Regine Elsass (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2022 by svetlana yurkova (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 5, 2022 by Obregón Alejandra (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 28, 2021 by Norbert Fries (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 2, 2022 by Francisco Martínez Brajer (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 16, 2022 by Cécile LM (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 20, 2018 by Fabienne R. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2022 by Leonard F.W.D (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2022 by Yannick Hartstein (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/9080185)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:10665-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Amaranthus hypochondriacus L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth