Amaranthus tricolor

Josephs coat, as its common name suggests, is grown not for its flowers but for its beautifully colored foliage. It is an upright, bushy annual that typically grows to 2-4 tall in the St. Louis area. Species plants feature ovate to elliptic, green to purple leaves (to 10î long). However a number of cultivars are available in commerce featuring leaves brilliantly blotched with various shades of yellow, red, pink and/or copper, with the upper plant leaves often contrasting in color from the lower ones. Green-leaved species plants are sometimes grown as a vegetable crop (spinach substitute). Spe... more »

Josephs coat, as its common name suggests, is grown not for its flowers but for its beautifully colored foliage. It is an upright, bushy annual that typically grows to 2-4 tall in the St. Louis area. Species plants feature ovate to elliptic, green to purple leaves (to 10î long). However a number of cultivars are available in commerce featuring leaves brilliantly blotched with various shades of yellow, red, pink and/or copper, with the upper plant leaves often contrasting in color from the lower ones. Green-leaved species plants are sometimes grown as a vegetable crop (spinach substitute). Species plants are also sometimes commonly called tampala, particularly when grown for culinary use. Tiny green to red flowers in 1î axillary spikes are insignificant. (less)