Pigweed (Amaranth) —Edible Beach Plant
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: By the plant
Pigweed (Amaranthus spp.) is a nutrient-rich edible green, traditionally foraged along coastal zones for its tender leaves and stems. High in vitamins and minerals, pigweed is used like spinach in sautés, soups, and salads. This native coastal plant is also valued for its hardiness—thriving in salty, poor soils—making it ideal for landscaping, sustainable gardens, and habitat restoration. Its fast growth and deep roots help stabilize soil, support pollinators, and provide food in biodiverse shoreline ecosystems.
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: By the plant
Pigweed (Amaranthus spp.) is a nutrient-rich edible green, traditionally foraged along coastal zones for its tender leaves and stems. High in vitamins and minerals, pigweed is used like spinach in sautés, soups, and salads. This native coastal plant is also valued for its hardiness—thriving in salty, poor soils—making it ideal for landscaping, sustainable gardens, and habitat restoration. Its fast growth and deep roots help stabilize soil, support pollinators, and provide food in biodiverse shoreline ecosystems.
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: By the plant
Pigweed (Amaranthus spp.) is a nutrient-rich edible green, traditionally foraged along coastal zones for its tender leaves and stems. High in vitamins and minerals, pigweed is used like spinach in sautés, soups, and salads. This native coastal plant is also valued for its hardiness—thriving in salty, poor soils—making it ideal for landscaping, sustainable gardens, and habitat restoration. Its fast growth and deep roots help stabilize soil, support pollinators, and provide food in biodiverse shoreline ecosystems.
