lambsquarter

Common lambsquarter (Chenopodium album). Photo: Betty Marose

Updated: February 27, 2023

Life cycle

Summer annual

Growth habit

Erect, 2 to 5 ft. high, branching, with whitish, mealy or waxy coating on newest leaves; first leaves opposite, later alternate, egg-shaped and irregularly toothed; stem often shows pink to red vertical stripes.

Reproduction

Seeds; seedlings emerge in spring or early summer; individual flowers inconspicuous and green, but clustered in large terminal panicles; can produce up to 72,000 seeds per plant.

Conditions that favor growth

Common in cultivated crops and gardens, landscapes, waste places, and disturbed sites.

Cultural control

Manual cultivation or maintain mowing practices to prevent flower production and seed formation.

Still have a question? Contact us at Ask Extension.