Lambsquarters
Chenopodium album
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Pl. 13B2 — Chenopodium album
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IOverview
Overview
Lambsquarters (Chenopodium album) is an annual forb or herb that thrives in a variety of habitats across the globe, from Afghanistan to Yemen and beyond. Native to regions including Afghanistan, Alabama, Albania, Algeria, and Arkansas, it has spread widely due to its adaptability. This plant is known for its edible parts—leaves, flowers, and seeds—which are often used in culinary applications. It grows best in moist conditions with a soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5, thriving in light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils. Lambsquarters can reach heights of up to 0.9 meters and is recognized for its distinctive silver-green foliage, which gives it a silvery appearance under sunlight.
Quick answers
What is Lambsquarters?
Lambsquarters (Chenopodium album) is an annual forb or herb that thrives in a variety of habitats across the globe, from Afghanistan to Yemen and beyond. Native to regions including Afghanistan, Alabama, Albania, Algeria, and Arkansas, it has spread widely due to its adaptability.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Lambsquarters thrives in light to medium soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5, though it can adapt to heavier clay soils as well. It prefers moist conditions but is not overly fussy about water levels. This annual plant grows up to 0.9 meters tall and does best in full sun or partial shade. For propagation, direct sow seeds in early spring or start them indoors for later transplanting. Harvest the leaves, flowers, and seeds for culinary use throughout the growing season. Lambsquarters is hardy in temperate regions and can be found naturally in a wide range of habitats across multiple continents.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.9 m tall
Soil pH
5.5–6.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Lambsquarters for the first time
8steps
Start with Lambsquarters by planting seeds in a sunny spot, and you'll have fresh greens for your beginner garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, a small trowel or scoop, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant seeds in spring after the last frost, or start them indoors about four weeks before planting out.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with well-draining soil that's light (sandy), medium, or heavy. Ensure the pH is between 5.5 and 6.5.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart in rows about 18 inches apart. Keep them moist until they germinate.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells.
- 6
Ongoing care
Keep the area weed-free and water as needed. Lambsquarters can grow quickly, so thin plants if they become overcrowded.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Pinch off young leaves for use in salads or cooking. Harvest flowers when they are fully open.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, and not thinning out the plants can lead to poor growth.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeavesSeed
Edible uses: Lambsquarters is edible and can be consumed in various forms. The leaves, flowers, and seeds are all usable parts of the plant. Leaves are often eaten raw or cooked as a spinach substitute. Flowers and seeds can also be harvested and used fresh or dried for culinary purposes. Skip preparation methods that involve cooking beyond boiling or steaming, as these are common ways to prepare the plant's edible components.
Other uses:DyeSoapDynamic accumulator
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe8 regions
native (8)FranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia8 regions
native (8)ChinaGeorgiaIndiaIranIraqJapanKuwaitSouth Korea
Broader regions
native:Florida, Gulf States, Hainan, Illinois, Indiana, Irkutsk, Kamchatka, Kentucky, Khabarovsk, Kirgizstan, Krasnoyarsk, Kriti, Kuril Is., Massachusetts
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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