The name Prince's Feather, descriptive of the vertical banners of bloom, was bestowed on this species when it was common in gardens for ornament and food in the 17th century in England and much earlier in its native South America. An excellent choice for adding bold texture to your summer gardens, its woolly flowers and coarse leaves create a unique and eye-catching effect. This plant thrives in heat and humidity, making it perfect as the centerpiece of a summer annual bed or as an accent in the back border. When planted in abundance, it is an effective hedge or screening plant. Amaranth is also often grown as a cut flower, either fresh or dried. Sow the small seeds thinly and remove any weed competition when young; they will tower over all by high summer. Later in the season, birds will visit and feast on the abundant edible seeds. Self-sows abundantly, pull the excess when young, and add to salads.