Chenopodium album aka Lambs Quarters

Chenopodium album is an annual in the amaranth family. Its names include lambsquarters, fat hen, and white goosefoot. Sources differ on its native range. Kew lists the central and eastern United States. NC State includes Europe, Asia, and North America. RHS also marks it native to Britain and Ireland. It grows on farms, waste ground, and river margins. It often appears soon after people disturb the soil.

The plant grows fast and forms upright, branching stems. RHS gives a garden height of 4.9–8.2 feet [1.5–2.5 metres]. Its listed spread is 3.3–4.9 feet [1–1.5 metres]. NC State reports much smaller plants on poorer ground. Useful Tropical Plants records extremes of 13.1 feet [4 metres]. The stiff stems have angles and lengthwise lines. Leaves grow alternately and may resemble a goose foot. Some have teeth or lobes; upper leaves grow narrower. Fine white hairs give young leaves a pale, soft coat. These hairs thin as the leaves age. Leaf edges may show pink or purple tones.

Small flowers form crowded spikes from midsummer into fall. They may be pale green or pink, with yellow anthers. The flowers lack petals and offer little show. Wind carries the pollen, though plants can also pollinate themselves. Capsules hold tiny seeds in black, brown, or green. One plant may make 50,000 seeds or more. Seeds can stay alive in soil for many years. This makes the plant hard to contain in gardens.

Full sun and moist, rich soil suit it best. It also grows in part shade and varied soils. Both sources favour soil that drains well. It accepts clay, loam, sand, and chalk. Acid, neutral, and alkaline soils all suit it. NC State lists USDA zones 3–10; RHS gives H7. Gardeners grow it for food or to support wildlife. Caterpillars, birds, insects, and small mammals use the plant. Root nematodes and downy mildew may cause problems. Pull seedlings or mow plants before seeds form to limit spread.

Leaves, shoots, flowers, and seeds have food uses. Native Americans made flour from dried seeds. Young growth is more useful for food than older parts. NC State advises cooking or other treatment before eating it. The plant contains saponins and oxalic acid. Large meals can upset digestion and affect the nervous system. Cornell lists nitrates as a poison in all parts. It records harm to people, horses, cattle, sheep, and swine. PFAF records folk medicine uses, not proof of safe treatment. Young shoots also yield green dye. Crushed fresh roots have served as a mild soap substitute.