Prince’s feather (huautli amaranth) Amaranthus hypochondriacus
Prince’s feather (huautli amaranth) (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) is an annual vegetable in the Amaranthaceae family, native to Domesticated in central Mexico. It grows 1–2.5 m (3.3–8.2 ft) tall and 40–80 cm (16–31 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about 2 °C (36 °F). Space plants about 45 cm (18 in) apart.
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Prince’s feather (huautli amaranth) at a glance
| Type | Annual vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Mature height | 1–2.5 m (3.3–8.2 ft) |
| Mature spread | 40–80 cm (16–31 in) |
| Spacing | 45 cm (18 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 2 °C (36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | about 9–11 weeks after planting, for 4–6 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 120 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Yes: grain, young leaves |
| Native to | Domesticated in central Mexico |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇮🇳 India, 🇨🇳 China, 🇵🇪 Peru |
Is Prince’s feather (huautli amaranth) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous; leaves hold oxalates and, on very rich soil, nitrates, so they are cooked.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Prince’s feather (huautli amaranth)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Prince’s feather (huautli amaranth)
- How far apart should I plant Prince’s feather (huautli amaranth)?
- About 45 cm (18 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–80 cm (16–31 in).
- Does Prince’s feather (huautli amaranth) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Prince’s feather (huautli amaranth) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Prince’s feather (huautli amaranth)?
- It tolerates about 2 °C (36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Prince’s feather (huautli amaranth) flower?
- About 9–11 weeks after planting, for 4–6 weeks.
- Is Prince’s feather (huautli amaranth) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous; leaves hold oxalates and, on very rich soil, nitrates, so they are cooked.
- What grows well with Prince’s feather (huautli amaranth)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Prince’s feather (huautli amaranth). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Lost Crops of the Incas (1989), US National Research Council, National Academies Press
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- GRIN-Global Taxonomy, USDA ARS
Notes and assumptions
- The Aztec grain huautli; popped seed bound with honey makes alegría. Upright crimson or green flower plumes.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Spinach Spinacia oleracea
- Swiss chard Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris (Cicla)
- Beetroot Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
- Amaranth (leaf, callaloo) Amaranthus tricolor
- Quinoa Chenopodium quinoa
- Love-lies-bleeding (kiwicha) Amaranthus caudatus
- Epazote Dysphania ambrosioides
- Celosia (cockscomb) Celosia argentea