TALL WATERHEMP, Amaranthus tuberculatus (Moq.) Sauer. 1, top of plant in flower; 2, seed in the hull and dehulled. Annual, reproducing by seed. Stem smooth, erect, ascending or somewhat prostrate, stout or slender, 3 feet (0.9 m) up to 8 feet (2.4 m) tall. Leaves narrowly ovate to lanceolate, long-petioled, alternate, 3 to 6 inches (7.6 to 15 cm) long. Flowers small, greenish, surrounded by small bracts, in loose terminal and axillary spikes; male and female flowers borne on separate plants. Seeds oval, reddish-black, each contained in a bladderlike hull. Found chiefly in cultivated crops or waste areas, especially on low ground. Other very similar species, Amaranthus tamariscinus (Nutt.) Wood and Amaranthus arenicola 1. M. Johnston, also occur in the region. Some waterhemp in the region is probably a hybrid complex among these various species.