Bayshore/ Lambs Quarters

COMMON NAME: Lamb’s Quarters

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Pigweed, Belgium Spinach, White Goosefoot, Baconweed, Blackweed

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Chenopodium album

FAMILY: Chenopodiaceae

COMMUNITY: Edge

STATUS: Native

LIFESPAN: Annual

HEIGHT: 1 to 3 feet

FLOWERING TIME: Mid July to late October

FRUITING TIME: Mid July to late October

DISTRIBUTION: Statewide in New Jersey ~ Very common weed

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Erect, many branches ~ Stems pigmented at nodes ~ Leaves are white, floury coating , somewhat fleshy, upper leaves narrow toothless, lower leaves diamond-shaped and broadly toothed (resemble a goose foot) ~ Flowers very small, greenish, dense group ~ Leaves and flowers turn reddish in autumn

GENERAL INFORMATION: This family Chenopodiaceae commonly called the Goosefoot family consists of 120 genera and 1,300 species of herbs and a few shrubs and small trees.  They are found mainly near the sea or in salt-rich steppes or alkaline prairies.  Greek khen means “goose”,  pous means “foot”—the leaves are shaped like a goose’s foot. This species album is named for the white undersurface of the leaf.  The common names Baconweed and Pigweed come from the plant’s use as feed for hogs and Blackweed because it stains the fingers black. The seeds of some Pigweed have been an important food for humans too.  Native Americans of the Southwest eat the leaves and grid the seeds into meal or flour.  They call the plant “Quelite”.  The tender leaves or the entire plant can be cooked as a green. Lamb’s Quarters seeds are relished by many songbirds and the persistence of some seeds late in the year, makes this plant particularly valuable to wildlife.  Nearly 75,000 seeds have been counted on a single plant of Lamb’s Quarters.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.