Alternanthera sp.
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Family: Amaranthaceae · Type: Perennial · Not Native
Alternanthera sp. is a non-native California perennial in the Amaranthaceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Ludwigia: Squeeze the stem - Alternanthera has distinctly swollen, puffy hollow stems while Ludwigia stems are solid and slender.; vs Loropetalum: Loropetalum has showy 4-petaled flowers with strap-like petals; Alternanthera has tiny clustered flowers without obvious petals.; vs Epilobium: Epilobium flowers have 4 notched petals and inferior ovaries; Alternanthera has tiny clusters without visible petals.; vs Tradescantia: Tradescantia has showy 3-petaled purple/blue flowers; Alternanthera has inconspicuous white/green flower clusters.; vs Iresine: Both similar but Iresine leaves are typically reddish or purple-tinged; Alternanthera leaves are plain green.
Frequently asked questions
Is Alternanthera sp. native to California?
No. Alternanthera sp. is not native to California (recorded as not native).
What plant family does Alternanthera sp. belong to?
Alternanthera sp. is in the Amaranthaceae family, genus Alternanthera.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.