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Native Plant Society of Texas

Wood Amaranth

Iresine rhizomatosa

Other common name(s):

Rootstock Bloodleaf, Juda's Bush

Family:

Amaranthaceae (Amaranth Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

East Central Texas Plains, Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, Texas Blackland Prairies
Southern Post Oak Savanna
Northern Humid Gulf Coastal Prairies
Floodplains and Low Terraces1, Northern Blackland Prairie, Southern Blackland Prairie

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

2
to
3
ft.

Spread

2
to
3
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Moist

Light Requirement

Part Shade, Shade

Water Requirement

Medium, High

Native Habitat

Woodland, Wetland or Riparian

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Season

Fall

Seasonal Interest

Nectar

Wildlife Benefit

Butterflies

Maintenance

Landscape uses include moist shady areas. and woodland gardens. Native habitat: low woods, floodplain forests, wet woodlands, bluff bases, depressions, sand dunes, along rivers, sandy bluffs.

Comments

Blooms September-December. Features erect, mostly unbranched stems. Leaves are oval to lance-shaped with pointed tips, deep green above and lighter below. Minute, creamy white to silver-white flowers are clustered on spike-like, axillary and terminal inflorescences (panicles to 12” long). Plants are dioecious (male and female flowers are on separate plants), The fruit is round, each containing one brownish-red seed.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Iresine celosioides

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Stem Cutting Dip the cut end in rooting hormone, tapping off any excess. You can root your Iresine cutting either by placing it in clean water until roots form and then potting it or by putting the fresh cutting directly into the soil. Create a hole in the moist potting mix and gently insert the cutting. Lightly firm the soil around it. Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag or use a humidity dome to trap moisture. Place your cutting in a bright spot, out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. In 2-3 weeks, you should see new growth, indicating successful rooting. Once the roots are established, typically after 4-6 weeks, you can transplant your new Iresine rhizomatosa into individual pots or directly into the garden. Spring and early summer are ideal for taking cuttings, as the plant is actively growing. Choose healthy, non-flowering stems and make a clean cut about 4-6 inches long, just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves, leaving 2-3 leaves at the top. 1) https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-iresine-rhizomatosa/ 2) https://plnts.com/en/care/houseplants-family/iresine 3) https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Iresine_rhizomatosa.html
Clump Division Using your hands or a clean, sharp knife, carefully divide the clump into smaller sections, ensuring each section has a good amount of roots and shoots. Plant each division into its own pot or directly into the garden, using well-draining soil. Water thoroughly and provide shade for a few days while it adjusts. If you have a mature Iresine rhizomatosa that has formed a dense clump, division is another excellent propagation method. Early spring is the best time to divide your plant, just as new growth emerges. Carefully dig up the entire plant, ensuring you get as much of the root system as possible. https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-iresine-rhizomatosa/

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason