Lamb's-quarters Chenopodium album

Lamb’s-quarters is a highly adaptable, nutritious, summer annual “weed” in the amaranth family (Amaranthaceae). It is native to Europe, Asia and North America, where it is found growing in waste sites, farm land and riparian wetland habitats and is often one of the first weeds to appear on newly disturbed soils. The species epithet is Latin for “white,” referring to the pale color of the young shoots. 

Lamb’s-quarters is at its best in full sun and moist, fertile, loamy soils, though it tolerates partial shade and a range of soil types. Plants grown in more fertile soils have a more palatable taste and are a nutritious weed. Each plant produces large amounts of seed that allow this plant to become aggressive in the landscape. Pulling up seedlings before they set seed or mowing over plants before they produce seed are two management options. As one of the common names suggests, young plants are useful for feeding chickens.

Lamb’s-quarters grows rapidly, spreading greenish-blue to gray leaves anywhere from 4 inches to 6 feet tall and 4 to 12 inches wide, depending on the nutrient level of the soil. It is covered with soft, woolly hairs, so it has a velvety feel. The flowers are not very showy and are pollinated by the wind. Young leaves and shoots are edible. The plant’s older parts are not particularly palatable and are mildly toxic when consumed raw. 

Plant Lamb’s-quarters in naturalized areas to feed wildlife. It attracts butterflies, moths, small mammals and songbirds. Or grow this plant as a summer annual vegetable in the edible garden.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: It can be quite weedy in disturbed areas and the seeds can remain viable in the soil for many years. Pulling up seedlings before they set seed or mowing over plants before they produce seed are two management options. See Clemson's publication on broadleaf weeds.