SafePlants

Lambs Quarters: A Versatile Wild Edible

Lambs Quarters, often considered a common weed, is a surprisingly versatile plant with a rich history of use as a food source. Its nutritional value and adaptability make it a fascinating subject for gardeners, foragers, and anyone interested in the natural world.

Considerations for Pets

• Lambs Quarters is known to grow to a height of up to six feet, a size that could be of interest to curious pets.
• It is a prolific seed producer, creating up to 75,000 seeds per plant, which could attract animals.
• The stems can have red streaks, which might be visually appealing to pets.

Considerations for Children

• Lambs Quarters is known to grow to a height of up to six feet, which is taller than many children and may be of interest.
• It is a prolific seed producer, creating up to 75,000 seeds per plant, which could attract children's attention.
• The stems can have red streaks, which might be visually appealing to children.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Chenopodium album
• Common Names: Lambs Quarters, Lambsquarter, Fat-hen, Pigweed, Wild Spinach, Goosefoot, Bacon Weed, Dirty Dick, Muck Hill Weed, White Goosefoot, Melde, Tree Spinach, Pitseed, Huauzontle.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Chenopodiaceae (Goosefoot family)
• Note: Classified by Linnaeus in 1753 as Cbenopodium album (misspelling in original text).

Distribution and Habitat

• Found throughout California up to an elevation of 5900 feet (1800 meters).
• Commonly found in gardens, lawns, and anyplace the soil has been disturbed.
• One of the most prevalent weed species found in the U.S. Soybean Belt.
• Origin is ambiguous, potentially Eurasia and North America.

Ecological Role

• Generally considered a weed and an "establishment weed".
• Known to invade lawns and gardens.
• Can compete with intentionally planted crops.
• Purifies the soil and helps to restore healthy nutrients.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• A broadleaf summer annual.
• Rapidly growing.
• Height averages 3 feet (90 cm), but may vary from a few inches to 6 feet (1.8 meters).
• Identified by stems with red streaks and leaves that vary in shape.
• Seedling cotyledons are elliptic (12-15 mm long) and dull green.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Can be confused with quinoa, especially when young.

Quirky Facts

• Lambs Quarters is said to be the second highest in nutrition of all wild plants.
• It has numerous common names, some of which are "odoriferous monikers" like "Dirty Dick" and "Muck Hill Weed".
• The plant is related to spinach, quinoa, and amaranth.

Further Information

• USDA Official Name: "Lambsquarters, raw" (USDA Record Number: "11244")
• Purdue Extension: GWC-11, 1-888-EXT-INFO. The Glyphosate, Weeds, and Crops Series. Biology and Management of Common Lambsquarters. Bill Curran
• EatTheWeeds: http://www.eattheweeds.com/chenopodium-album-getting-goosed-2/