Palmer Amaranth

Vegetative plants.  Key characteristics: leaves have relatively long petioles and appear to be symmetrically arranged.  Often, a watermark will be present on the upper leaf surface.

Flowering structures.  Male and female flowers are on separate plants.  The stalks are primarily non-branched and may reach a length of two feet.  The female flowers feel spiny to the touch.

Seed.  Seed are round and flattened with a dark glossy shine.  The diameter is slightly less than 1.0 mm.

Life cycle: summer annual.

Toxic Plant: Cattle and swine are the animals most likely to be affected; goats and sheep can also be poisoned.  Leaves, stems and roots are toxic.  The most common symptom in cattle is bloat as it accumulates nitrates.