Amaranthus blitoides, commonly known as mat amaranth, prostrate pigweed, procumbent pigweed, prostrate amaranth, or matweed, is an annual herb that typically grows up to 2 feet tall. It is native to open areas such as fields, roadsides, and disturbed sites in the central United States and is often found in agricultural lands where it can be a weed. It has naturalized in temperate regions of North America, South America, and Eurasia. The plant has a sprawling growth habit with small greenish flowers that are not particularly showy, blooming from mid-summer to early fall.

Mat amaranth is valued for its drought tolerance and is sometimes used as a ground cover in xeriscaping due to its low water requirements. It thrives in full sun and can adapt to a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soils. While it is not commonly cultivated for ornamental purposes, it can be used in wildlife gardens where its seeds provide food for birds. Gardeners should be aware that Amaranthus blitoides can become aggressive and weedy, potentially outcompeting other plants. It is considered invasive in some regions, so it is important to check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0