Lambsquarters - Chenopodium album (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Invasive, Images, Toxic)

Lambsquarters

Also known as: Fat-Hen, Wild Spinach , Baconweed, Bacon weed, Fat hen

Lambsquarters has many other names, including pigweed, goosefoot, and bacon weed. This plant seems to appear out of nowhere and is considered by many to be a pesky weed. However, the greens of this plant are edible, can be prepared similar to spinach, and are packed with nutrients.

Scientific classification

Species

Lambsquarters (Chenopodium album)

Pinks, cacti, and allies

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Weeds

Weed or not

Annual

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Harvest Time

10 cm to 1.5 m

Plant Height

20 cm

Spread

Green, White, Gray, Silver

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Green, Black, Copper

Fruit Color

Green, Yellow, Pink

Flower Color

Green, Gray, Silver, Cream

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer, Fall

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Lambsquarters

Distribution of Lambsquarters

Distribution Map

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

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Cultivated ground

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Economic Value

Ripe lamb's quarters can be used as fodder.

Garden Use

Lambsquarters is an herbaceous plant that can be grown indoors or outdoors. This plant is known to be weedy. If planting in your garden, take care to observe what plants are nearby as it can take much-needed nutrients from the soil and contaminate crop seeds.

Symbolism

Toughness, persistence, abundance, healing

Interesting Facts

There is archaeological evidence of lambsquarters (Chenopodium album) being part of human diets during the Iron Age. To this day, the plant is extensively cultivated in northern India as a food crop called bathua.

Name Story

Lambsquarters: The name, Lambsquarters is believed to be related to the British harvest festival Lammas quarter. To celebrate this festival, the British people will offer lamb as sacrifices and vegetables made by Chenopodium album. Thus, it is called Lambsquarters.

White goosefoot: You can't imagine that such a small plant can produce more than 50,000 seeds. If you spot it in the garden, you must remove it with no sign of mercy. How do you identify it? Its leaves are shaped like goose feet, and the surface is covered with a layer of white fur. The layer of fur on the back of the leaves is more compact. Looking from a distance, the plant looks like it's covered with a layer of white frost, which is why it's called white goosefoot.

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Toxicity

The raw leaves and stems of lambsquarters contain high amounts of oxalic acid, causing illness if consumed. Lambsquarters is toxic to cats and dogs, with all parts posing risks. Symptoms in pets may include gastrointestinal upset and lethargy. Immediate veterinary care is crucial in cases of suspected ingestion to ensure their health and safety.

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Weed Control

Lambsquarters is one of the most serious agricultural weeds in the temperate and subtemperate regions of the world, but also in winter-sown crops in the tropics and the subtropics. For the following countries, South Africa, Mexico, India, Pakistan, and New Zealand, lambsquarters is considered one of the six most concerning weeds. Despite its weed-status in some parts, it is actually grown intentionally as a leafy vegetable in India and the Himalayas.

The spread of lambsquarters is particularly concerning. The weed grows quickly and has prolific seed production – an average plant can produce between 3,000 and 20,000 seeds, but as many as 70,000 seeds were recorded from a single plant.

How to Control It

The best season to remove lambsquarters is spring or early summer, before it flowers or sets seed. Here are some methods to control lambsquarters:

Hand pulling: Dampen the soil to make it easier to pull out the roots. Remember to wear gardening gloves to protect your hands.
Hoeing: Use a hoe to chop off the plants at the ground level. Do it early in the morning on a sunny day so that the sunlight will dry out the severed weeds.
Covering: This method involves placing a layer of newspapers, cardboard, or a weed barrier over the garden area. This will block the sunlight and kill the weeds.
Mulching: Organic mulch like straw or grass clippings can prevent weed seeds from germinating. Apply around 2-3 inches of mulch evenly around your plants.
Vinegar spray: Mix a cup of vinegar with a cup of water. Spray it on the weed leaves on a sunny day. Vinegar acts as a natural herbicide but be careful not to overspray it on your desirable plants.

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Quickly Identify Lambsquarters

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

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

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

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

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

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Care Guide for Lambsquarters

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Lambsquarters thrives in diverse habitats, showing adaptability to water needs. It is drought-tolerant but prefers consistent moisture, requiring weekly watering for optimal health. Grown outdoors, lambsquarters is resilient in various soil types, with adequate hydration promoting stronger foliage and stem growth during the growing season.

Propagation: Lambsquarters propagates easily by sowing in Spring. Look for rapid germination and seedlings as signs of success. For optimal growth, maintain proper planting depth and consistent moisture.

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Images of Lambsquarters

Distribution of Lambsquarters

Culture

Toxicity

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Lambsquarters

Care Guide for Lambsquarters

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