Common lambsquarters, a broadleaf plant, is among the most common summer annuals. It is found throughout California up to an elevation of 5900 feet (1800 m) and inhabits agricultural land and other disturbed areas. Generally common lambsquarters is considered edible. However under certain conditions, plant production of oxalates can increase to levels toxic to livestock when large amounts of leaves are consumed in a short time period. Common lambsquarter is also susceptible to many viruses that affect several crops and ornamentals. These include beet curly top; potato viruses X, M, and S; ringspot viruses of tomato, pepper, potato, Prunus species, and mulberry; and mosaic viruses of alfalfa, bean, beet, barley, lettuce, cucumber, squash, eggplant, hops, primula, watermelon, and wisteria. Many species of small mammals and birds consume the seeds
Its Nourishment
The two seed leaves of lambsquarters have food stored in them. The newly-sprouted shoot uses this food for energy. However, it soon grows true leaves whereby it can make food of its own by a process called photosynthesis. In photosynthesis, the plant turns carbon dioxide and water into simple sugars and later starch. It uses the energy of the sun to effect this transformation.
As lambsquarters continues to grow, it invites insects and birds to feast on its leaves. It does not mind losing a few because it grows quickly. Later it develops seeds and freely offers them to the hungry public. Even people have profited from this plant’s bountiful growth. The young leaves of the lambsquarters make an excellent salad, and there is evidence that pre-Columbian Indians may have used the seeds as food, according to the Penn State College of Agricultural Science.