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Lambsquarters

How to identify Lambsquarters (Chenopodium album)

Lambsquarters, also known as Fat-Hen, Wild Spinach , Baconweed, Bacon weed, Fat hen

Lambsquarters is distinguished by its diamond-shaped leaves, which are generally 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, with a slightly white, mealy coating beneath. It grows erect, often reaching 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) in height, with a grooved stem that sometimes takes on a reddish hue. The inflorescences are small, greenish clusters containing numerous tiny flowers, and are found at the tips of the branches or in leaf axils. The plant’s overall structure is robust and bushy.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Annual

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Lambsquarters

1

Diamond-shaped leaves with white mealy coating on underside, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long.

2

Erect growth up to 3 feet (90 cm) with grooved stem occasionally reddish.

3

Tiny flowers lacking petals, green clusters with 5 stamens and yellow anthers.

4

Fruit with small spherical seeds, colors range from black to green and brown.

5

Stem angular, smooth texture with varying colors like light green, red, purple.

LambsquartersLambsquartersLambsquartersLambsquartersLambsquarters

Detailed Traits of Lambsquarters

Leaf Features

The leaves of lambsquarters are 5 inches (12.7 cm) long, goose foot-shaped, but can also be triangular, ovate, lanceolate, or linear. They have smooth margins with some teeth or undulate lobes. The leaves are green, occasionally with pink or purple tints along the edges, and feature a white mealy coating from tiny hairs. This coating is denser on the underside, making it appear lighter. The petioles are about half the length of the leaves.

Leaf Shape

Lanceolate ,
Ovate ,
Rhombic

Lambsquarters Leaf Shape image
Leaf Type

Simple

Leaf Base

Cuneate ,
Truncate

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Lambsquarters Leaf Arrangement image
Leaf Apex

Acute ,
Obtuse

Leaf Margin

Serrate

Lambsquarters Leaf Margin image
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Flower Features

The flowers of lambsquarters are arranged in terminal clusters and bloom from mid-summer through fall. These tiny flowers, approximately 1/10 inch (2.5 mm) wide, lack petals but feature five stamens with yellow anthers. The flowers form very light green or pink panicles that can reach up to 8 inches (20 cm) in length, though they are usually shorter. Pollinated by the wind, these intricate cluster formations are a distinctive feature for identifying lambsquarters.

Lambsquarters Flower image
Corolla Type

Apetalous

Inflorescence Type

Spike ,
Panicle

Lambsquarters Inflorescence Type image
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Stem Features

The stem of lambsquarters is stiff and angular, with a smooth texture marked by striations. It appears in varying colors such as light green, red, purple, or tan, making it distinctive. The stem is notably robust in structure, providing strong support for the plant. These characteristics, combined with its striated, smooth surface, and angular form, make the stem a key identifying feature for lambsquarters.

Lambsquarters Stem image
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Fruit Features

The fruit of lambsquarters is characterized by a prodigious quantity of diminutive seeds, with each fruit potentially containing a vast array exceeding 50,000. These seeds are nearly spherical in shape and display a varied color palette, ranging from black to green and brown. The textures of these seeds are suited for dispersal, helping lambsquarters to spread prolifically. Each seed measures only a fraction of an inch in diameter, making them relatively inconspicuous to the naked eye. Despite their small size, these seeds are a pivotal identification feature of lambsquarters's fruit.

Fruit Type

Utricle

Learn About the Fruit Glossary
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Key Facts About Lambsquarters

Attributes of Lambsquarters
Lifespan
Annual
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
10 cm to 1.5 m
Spread
20 cm
Leaf Color
Green
White
Gray
Silver
Flower Size
2.5 cm
Flower Color
Green
Yellow
Pink
Fruit Color
Brown
Green
Black
Copper
Stem Color
Green
Gray
Silver
Cream
Leaf type
Deciduous
The Toxicity of Lambsquarters
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Scientific Classification of Lambsquarters

Family
Amaranth
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Species
Lambsquarters (Chenopodium album)
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Distribution Map of Lambsquarters

Lambsquarters's native region is substantial, covering Eurasia and the Indian subcontinent in areas of pasture, agriculture, wasteland, and disturbed ground. It has spread to many areas worldwide, including North and South America, South Africa, and Australia. It's considered a common weed in cultivated soil, and listed as a major problem for crops in 47 countries around the globe.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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