What kind of a plant? Good or bad for birds?

[MariusStegmann]

I first got these plants as an ornamentals for my garden. Afterwards it come up everywhere in my garden. A couple of plants came up in the pots where I grew chickweed for my birds in. When I put the pots in the aviary, I noticed that the zebras love the leaves and they decimated the plants. I also noticed that the wild birds ate the seeds of these plants. I decided to allow one of these plants that popped up in my aviary to grow. The seed clusters are red, but as they ripen, the bird eat them. Those parts show up yellow. A seed spray or bunch can be a metre long. The plant got too top heavy and fell over. These plants grows up to 3 metres high. Does anyone know what kind of a plant this is? Are there any botanist on the forum. I know that Monotwine knows her botany. I know that the seeds and leaves doesn't kill my birds, but is it good for them?

[MiaCarter]

I *believe* it's a red hanging amaranthus / "love lies bleeding."

As for its bird friendliness, I have no idea.
I tried googling it and the only bird reference I found was that one site said it "attracted birds". I have no idea if that means "bird-safe" though.


ETA -- I found an article here:
http://www.vegetariat.com/2013/08/growi ... -amaranth/

This girl says that she grows her own birdseed from it. She says the leaves and seeds are edible for humans too. So bon appetite, I guess?

[Colt]

Neiren has a degree in botany I think. Perhaps she'll chime in.

[MariusStegmann]

Thx Mia, if it attract birds in the garden, it can't be to bad for them.

[Nerien]

MiaCarter has it right.