The lack of hairs on smooth plants often gives the leaves and stems a glossy appearance. Leaf shapes Pigweed leaves vary greatly in size and shape on a single plant. The table illustrates general trends in species. The flowers are minute and can be analyzed only with a hand lens or greater magnification. Male flowers are very similar across all species, varying mainly only in size.
Female flowers are much more variable and detailed illustrations are provided for each species.
This may be difficult to determine, as the ratio of male to female flowers in plants with both sexes can be as low as 1 male flower to 100 female flowers, causing them to resemble female plants. The best way to determine this character is to look for male plants in the population. Seedhead Shape Seedhead shape varies among the species in length, width, and appearance. Lengths are described as short, long, and very long. Widths are described as slender or thick.