Magenta Spreen Lamb'S Quarters

Chenopodium giganteum Amaranthaceae

Other names

Pigweed

Growth habit

Herbaceous

Perennation

Annual

Native distribution

N. India

Biocultural value

Young megenta leaves, which are rich in vitamin A, are attractive in salads and tasty as cooked greens.

Location

Robison Herb Garden

Source of plant

Nichols Garden Nursery

Description

Erect annual herb, to 3m. Stem glabrous, much branched, red-green striped white. Leaves mealy, triangular rhombic, irregularly toothed, to 15cm; younger leaves and shoots red purple. Flowers grey-green, in large, loose cymes; inflorescence leafless, axillary or terminal. Fruit dry; seed shiny black.

USDA Hardiness Zone

5

Special characteristics

food