Chenopodium album

Chenopodium album is a fast-growing weedy annual plant in the genus Chenopodium. Though cultivated in some regions, the plant is elsewhere considered a weed. Common names include lamb's quarters, melde, goosefoot, manure weed, and fat-hen, though the latter two are also applied to other species of the genus Chenopodium, for which reason it is often distinguished as white goosefoot. It is sometimes also called pigweed, however, pigweed is also a name for a few weeds in the family Amaranthaceae; it is for example used for the Redroot pigweed.

Description

Chenopodium album is a robust herb that grows to a height of up to 150 cm. It has a branched stem and simple, alternate leaves. The leaves are diamond-shaped and are covered with a whitish coat of mealy hairs. The flowers are small and form a dense inflorescence. The seeds are black and shiny.

Distribution and habitat

Chenopodium album is found throughout the world. It is a common weed in gardens, fields, and disturbed grounds. It prefers rich and fertile soils.

Uses

Chenopodium album has been used as a food source in many parts of the world. The leaves are rich in vitamins A and C, calcium, potassium, and iron. They can be eaten raw or cooked. The seeds are also edible and can be ground into a flour.

In traditional medicine, Chenopodium album has been used to treat various ailments. It has been used as a laxative, diuretic, and to treat skin diseases.

Cultivation

Chenopodium album is easy to grow and can become invasive. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can tolerate poor soil conditions and drought.

See also

• Chenopodium
• Weed
• Traditional medicine

References

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  Chenopodium album inflorescence

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  Chenopodium album in a wild field, Warsaw, Poland

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  Rice and Chenopodium album leaf curry with potatoes and onions

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  Chenopodium album flowers

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  Chenopodium album