Weed or herb/vegetable?

Joined
Jun 5, 2016
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Country
United States
I had grown some plants last year in some pots. Today I went out there to prepare them for new plants and came across this plant. Not sure if its an offspring from last year or just a weed. Does anyone know what this plant is? Thanks!
20160605_105503.jpg
 
Joined
Feb 17, 2015
Messages
138
Reaction score
51
Location
Central PA
Hardiness Zone
5b
Country
United States
That's wild spinach, aka lamb's quarters or pigweed - (Chenopodium album). It is technically a weed, but it's also one of the edible ones. It has a taste that is extremely similar to spinach, though it has a slightly more gritty texture and the hint of an astringent aftertaste. Not enough to make you not want to eat it, but enough to tell you it's not exactly spinach.

I do edible plant talks locally and that is one I always try to get because it is nearly always available - as long as you beat the leaf miners to it, that is.
 
Joined
May 4, 2015
Messages
2,441
Reaction score
1,472
Location
Mid Michigan
Hardiness Zone
5b
Country
United States
@Arielphf , you're a treasure! I had no idea. I pull that stuff out of my various garden areas all the time; it's all over my tats. Based on your description I don't think I will try eating it though. :sick:
 
Joined
Jun 5, 2016
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
Country
United States
@Arielphf thanks for the info. That's quite a bit more detailed than I was expecting but very interesting. I think I'll keep it in that case.
 
Joined
Feb 17, 2015
Messages
138
Reaction score
51
Location
Central PA
Hardiness Zone
5b
Country
United States
@Arielphf , you're a treasure! I had no idea. I pull that stuff out of my various garden areas all the time; it's all over my tats. Based on your description I don't think I will try eating it though. :sick:

LOL! Well, it's way better than a lot of the supposedly 'edible' weeds out there. I'm always told that cattails are edible but to me they taste yucky! Wild spinach isn't bad if you want to try it.

@Arielphf thanks for the info. That's quite a bit more detailed than I was expecting but very interesting. I think I'll keep it in that case.

Ah, no problem. I identify plants for folks all day at work so it becomes habit even on my 'off' time. Glad I could help.
 

Ask a Question

Want to reply to this thread or ask your own question?

You'll need to choose a username for the site, which only take a couple of moments. After that, you can post your question and our members will help you out.

Ask a Question

Similar Threads


Members online

Forum statistics

Threads
27,874
Messages
264,676
Members
14,613
Latest member
visiultra

Latest Threads

Top