I Spy in the Sea to Sky…

I spy in the Sea to Sky

An edible plant that can hurt your health

If it conquers pastures, watch out for your wealth

It is toxic to lifestock

With a name so innocent, it comes as a shock.

Lamb’s Quarters originate from Europe and Asia, and it is extensively cultivated and consumed in Northern India as a food crop. It grows well on cultivated land and disturbed sites such as roadsides.

Lamb’s Quarters is an annual, upright plant up to 1m tall, with egg-shaped leaves that are greyish-green and covered in mealy particles. It has green-white, tiny flowers, arranged in dense clusters.

While Lamb’s Quarters is edible to humans, it may cause photosentisization when consumed in large quantities. It also reduces crop or forage production and is toxic to livestock in large quantities. Lamb’s Quarters is present in the Sea to Sky, so strategic control is key.  Should you wish to get rid of it on your property, it is best to cut downt he plant before it sets seed or mow it repeatedly. If you think an area of value is threatened by Lamb’s Quarters, contact us or call 604-698-8334.

About author Claude-Anne Godbout-Gauthier

Clo is the Communications and Outreach Manager at SSISC, and has been writing about all things invasive since 2018. She holds a Graduate Certificate in Public Policy and Program Evaluation, and a college degree in Horticulture.
There's a special place in her heart for a good pun, knitting, and outdoor activities. She hails from Gatineau, Quebec.