Common name: Pigweed, Redroot Pigweed, Smooth Pigweed
Scientific name: Amaranthus spp.
Locations: Coastal zones, high marsh, upper intertidal
Seasonality: Available spring – fall
Colors: Deep green foliage
Size: Approx. 1 ft to 2–3 ft
Collected: By hand from native coastal habitats
Quantity: Sold by the plant
Pigweed (Amaranthus spp.) is a nutrient-rich edible green native to Maine’s coastal zones, long valued for both its culinary and ecological benefits. Traditionally foraged for its tender leaves and stems, pigweed is high in vitamins and minerals and can be prepared like spinach in sautés, soups, and salads.
Beyond its edible uses, this hardy native amaranth thrives in salty, nutrient-poor soils—making it ideal for coastal landscaping, dune stabilization, and ecological restoration projects. Its deep root system helps control erosion while providing critical habitat and food for pollinators and wildlife.
Common name: Pigweed, Redroot Pigweed, Smooth Pigweed
Scientific name: Amaranthus spp.
Locations: Coastal zones, high marsh, upper intertidal
Seasonality: Available spring – fall
Colors: Deep green foliage
Size: Approx. 1 ft to 2–3 ft
Collected: By hand from native coastal habitats
Quantity: Sold by the plant
Pigweed (Amaranthus spp.) is a nutrient-rich edible green native to Maine’s coastal zones, long valued for both its culinary and ecological benefits. Traditionally foraged for its tender leaves and stems, pigweed is high in vitamins and minerals and can be prepared like spinach in sautés, soups, and salads.
Beyond its edible uses, this hardy native amaranth thrives in salty, nutrient-poor soils—making it ideal for coastal landscaping, dune stabilization, and ecological restoration projects. Its deep root system helps control erosion while providing critical habitat and food for pollinators and wildlife.
