Common lambsquarters (or pigweed), a member of the goosefoot family, is among the most common summer annuals. Seed leaves are narrow, with nearly parallel sides. The seed leaves and early true leaves are dull bluish green above and often purple below. Common lambsquarters may be up to 6' tall, depending on moisture and soil fertility. Tiny flowers are packed in dense clusters at the tips of the main stem and branches. Leaves of common lambsquarters are coated with tiny white scales.
Lambsquarters is usually found in low-maintenance turf situations. Proper mowing will usually control lambs quarter due to its upright growth habit. It establishes easier in spring-seeded cool-season turf that enters the summer in a thin state. Lambsquarters will grow in either acidic or alkaline soils.
In agricultural situations, good control of lambsquarters is possible with application of BUTYRAC 200 applied to plants in the seedling stage. Some control of small plants may be obtained with the use of PURSUIT.
In the home landscape hand-pulling is usually enough to control young plants.
Lambsquarters blooms from May to October and produces abundant amounts of pollen. In areas where lambs quarter is abundant, it has been reported to cause hay fever symptoms.
See also: Edible weeds
If you can't beat 'em, eat 'em! Here's a list of common lawn weeds that can, in part, be eaten.