Figleaved Goosefoot
Chenopodium ficifolium

Distinguishing Features

Apart from the obvious feature of looking like a lamb's quarter, a closer examination of the leaf will show that it is different in shape. The leaves have a fig-like shape.

Flowers

It is in flower from July to September (northern hemisphere), and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite and are pollinated by wind. It has an inflorescences terminal, is richly branched, panicle-like and dense. The flower has five tepals, five stamens and two stigmas.

Leaves

Leaves grow alternate, are fig-shaped and the margins are smooth.They are usually light green,and the petiole measures 1 to 2o cm long. The blade has three lobes that measure 4 to 8 cm long,and are up to 4.5 cm wide at the widest point. Bracts are narrowly elliptic to lanceolate. Middle leaves have 3 dentate lobes.

Height

20 to 90 cm (up to 36 inches). The stem is subangular, striped with green, and sometimes has small red spots in the leaf axils. The main stem is erect; and the branches are mainly in the upper part.

Habitat

Figleaved goosefoot likes to grow in disturbed soils and in arable land. It really likes rich soils and areas close to compost heaps. This plant grows primarily in eastern Canada, in a few of the continental states and it grows in many European, Middle East, Asian and northern African countries. It also grows in New Zealand and Australia.

Edible Parts

Leaves and flowers can be eaten raw or cooked although cooked is advised. Raw leaves should only be eaten in small quantities. Seeds can be roasted and eaten.

Other Name

Figleaf goosefoot.

Similar Plants

Common Orache.

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