Amaranthus spp.
Origin: Mesoamerica (via Germany, via USA)
Improvement status: Cultivar
Seeds per packet: ~250
Germination tested 11/2023: 90%
Life cycle: Annual
Edible and ornamental amaranth with large burgundy flower-heads shaped like an elephant's head (or sometimes a whole elephant in this strain!). Black seed can be used as a grain, while the leaves can be used as a vegetable. This is a real statement-piece in any garden!
These seeds come from a few spectacular volunteer plants in the garden at the new home of Nate's aunt Ellen, his cousin Aaron, and Aaron's partner Regina, in Alpha, New Jersey.
