Meet Lamb’s Quarters: It's Not Just a Weed!

Let me introduce you to one of my favorite “weeds”—lamb’s quarters. You might already have it growing in your yard without even realizing it. Most people pull it out without a second thought, but once you get to know it, you might actually start planting it on purpose.

It’s Wild, Edible, and Underrated

Lamb’s quarters is one of those plants that quietly shows up in gardens, compost piles, and sidewalk edges. It doesn’t look like much at first, but give it a closer look. Its leaves are soft and shaped kind of like a goose’s foot. They often have a dusty, almost frosted look underneath—that’s normal.

The flavor? Think mild spinach, but a little earthier. You can eat the young leaves raw in salads, or sauté them like any leafy green. And bonus: they’re loaded with nutrients like iron, calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A and C.

How to Forage (or Grow!) It

If you're into foraging, this is a great plant to start with—it’s easy to ID and hard to mess up. Just make sure you’re picking it from clean areas (avoid roadsides and sprayed lawns). Harvest the top leaves when the plant is young and tender.

Not into foraging? No problem—you can grow it just like any leafy green. Toss some seeds in the ground after the last frost, give it some sun, and let it do its thing. It’s super low-maintenance and tends to reseed itself, so once you have it, you probably won’t need to plant it again.

Medicinal Uses (Because It’s More Than Just a Salad Green)

Lamb’s quarters isn’t just good food—it’s been used for centuries as a gentle medicinal herb too. Here’s what it’s known for:

• Digestive support – It’s been used traditionally to relieve constipation and support healthy digestion.

• Skin soother – Crushed fresh leaves can be applied to bug bites or minor rashes for some natural relief.

• Gentle detox support – Thanks to its nutrient profile, it’s a nice support for your body’s natural cleansing systems.

Bottom Line? Don’t Toss It—Taste It

Next time you see lamb’s quarters popping up, don’t be too quick to weed it out. Give it a try. Whether you’re sautéing it for dinner or using a few leaves as a home remedy, it’s a simple, beautiful way to connect with the wild plants around you.