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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)

Moist, Sand

Light Requirement

Part Shade, Shade

Water Requirement

Medium, High

Native Habitat

Riparian, Sand Dunes, Woodland

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.

Description

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

2026 Fall Symposium Logo

This low-elevations region of Texas extends inland from the barrier islands, about 60 or so miles, and stretches from Brownsville to Louisiana. In total, it covers about 9.5 million acres, with a high point of 150 feet in elevation. More than 1000 species of plants can be found in this region. On the southern end, species more common in Mexico (such as Sabal mexicana) and Central America occur.

The barrier islands provide us with dune systems, and clay flats to the inland side, which have species found in these areas alone. Many plants here, such as Ipomoea pes-caprae (beach morning glory), can be found throughout tropical regions of the globe. I’ve encountered the same species on the beaches of Guam.

Once inland, vast marshes and wet prairies occur. Occasionally, oak (Quercus fusiformis) groves can be found. Common grasses include species of Bothriochloa, Paspalum, and Sporobolus; eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides); and switchgrass (Panicum species). Many rivers and creeks cut through the Gulf Prairies, and along these riparian areas various species of trees, Sabal minor, and other plants adapted to clay soils can be found. Due to overgrazing, farming, and fire suppression, woody species such as mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and huisache (Acacia farnesiana), and invasive species such as chinaberry (Melia azedarach), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), and Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) have increased and displaced our native flora.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason