Chenopodium album (lamb’s quarters)

Chenopodium album leaves

Leaf type: Triangular, rhombic, lobed, toothed, oval to lanceolate
Leaf margin: Smooth
Phyllotaxis: Opposite, alternate
Colour: Green, blue-green, gray-green
Life cycle: Annual

Leaf (upper side)

Chenopodium album triangular leaf
Triangular, slightly toothed leaf.
Chenopodium album serrated leaves
Toothed and slightly lobed leaves.
Chenopodium album upper leaves
Upper narrow leaves and flower buds.
Chenopodium album lanceolate leaves
Upper leaves, lanceolate, gray-green.

Growth habit & biology

Chenopodium album is an annual plant; once its seeds are ripe, it dies. It reaches heights of over one meter and varies in growth habit. In locations with good nutrient availability, it can branch profusely and resemble a small shrub.

Chenopodium album growth habit in June
Habitus in June.

Distribution & habitates

Eurasia, North Africa, North America, and as an introduced species also in Australia, New Zealand, and South America (source).

Chenopodium album along the roadside
Chenopodium album in April along the roadside.

Chenopodium album can be found in weedy areas, on construction sites, along roadsides, on embankments, slopes, in fields, gardens, as well as on riverbanks and in ditches.

Lambs quarters between paving stones
Lamb’s quarters can also grow between paving stones.

Botany

Chenopodium album is a member of the amaranth family (Amaranthaceae) and has several common names, such as: lamb’s quarters, white goosefoot, fat-hen or nickel greensand.

Chenopodium album in late October
Chenopodium album in late October.

Risk of misidentification

Chenopodium album and Solanum nigrum

The leaves of Chenopodium album and Solanum nigrum (right) can look similar. Unlike lamb’s quarters, however, black nightshade is poisonous.