It is a weedy species found now over much of North America and introduced into Europe and Eurasia.

Amaranthus hybridus was originally a pioneer plant in eastern North America.

It is extremely variable, and many other Amaranthus species are believed to be natural hybridizations or derive from A. hybridus.

Although easily controlled and not particularly competitive, it is recognized as a harmful weed of North American crops.

It is among the species consumed as Quelite quintonilli in Mexican food markets.