Achyranthes aspera (common names: chaff-flower, [1] prickly chaff flower, [2] devil's horsewhip, [3] Sanskrit: अपामार्ग apāmārga) is a species of plant in the family Amaranthaceae. It is distributed throughout the tropical world. [ 4 ]

Chaff flower (Achyranthes japonica), also called Japanese chaff flower, is an invasive plant that is spreading fast. This perennial herbaceous plant grows densely, crowding out other plant species.

Chaff flower begins growing in late spring and flowers in late July. The leaves are simple, opposite, and the “arcing” venation is very similar to that of dogwood leaves (Fig. 2). Stems and leaves are smooth to slightly pubescent (fuzzy). Seedlings have red stems.

Perennial herbaceous plant growing 3-6 feet high. Simple, smooth-edged leaves with pointed tips grow opposite. Flower is a green, bottle brush-like spike with no petals. Stem at the ground is red, even in seedlings. Stems remain erect and turn brown to orange-brown in the fall and winter.

Chaff Flower Chaff flower (also called Japanese chaff flower, Achyranthes japonica (Mik.) Nakai) is an invasive plant that is spreading fast. It is easily introduced to new areas through seeds that move along waterways and stick onto fur and clothing. It is already a major problem in Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana and has

Japanese chaff flower is a native of eastern and southeast-ern Asia. It is one of two species in the genus Achyranthes found in the United States (the other is A. aspera, an exotic species found in upland environments of the Southeast coastal plain). Japanese chaff flower was first discovered in …

Herbaceous perennial with opposite leaves, growing up to 1-2 meters tall. Fruits lay flat against elongated spikes that have a pair of stiff bracts. Seeds easily hitch a ride on clothing, shoes, and animal fur. Other names for this plant include: Classification in Wisconsin: Prohibited.

University of Illinois Extension Forester Chris Evans reviews how to identify Japanese chaff flower along with discussing its ecology, history in North America, and its current known distribution.

Japanese chaff flower may occur in bottomland forests and other riparian areas. It can be spread by flood waters. It can root in shallow water or occur as floating mats. It may be found in conjunction with Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth).

Chaff Flower (Achyranthes japonica) *Not detected in Michigan* Identification: • Perennial herb grows three to six feet high. • Grows in late spring to early July and flowers in late summer. • Flower is a green, bottle brush-like spike with no petals. • Leaves are opposite and simple with smooth edges and a pointed tip.