Pig Weeds and Elephant Heads

By Maureen Gilmer

Reaching 7 to 10 feet in height, plants are often grown in the food garden with corn. But these are so visually unique they should be considered for highlighting ornamental and wildlife garden scenarios too. The blood red, nearly iridescent flowers of Burgundy amaranth hardly appear natural atop towering 10-foot green leaf plants. Its shorter cousin Warihio reaches 7 feet tall and is distinguished by its vibrant red foliage. This species also produces Golden Giant bearing lime green leaves and dense upright antique yellow flowers.