Amaranthus cruentes
A striking multi branched ornamental species grown and tended for generations by Hopi gardeners of the Southwest.. When processed for dyeing they yield a lovely vermillion colored paper and fabrics. Very easy to grow on marginally fertile soils. Seeds from previous years crops will drop to ground, reseed and naturalize in wayward areas. Plant populations produce interesting individual variations that can be selected and saved for desirable traits in subsequent years to follow. Hopi Red dye Amaranth has been with us for over 30 years now and has become a naturalized wildflower gracing our gardens and fields.