Lambsquarters: Understanding Chenopodium album var. microphyllum
If you’ve stumbled across the name lambsquarters in your gardening research, you might be curious about this particular variety of a well-known plant family. Chenopodium album var. microphyllum represents a specific variety of the common lambsquarters, though it’s one that doesn’t get much attention in typical gardening circles.
What Exactly Is This Plant?
Chenopodium album var. microphyllum is an annual forb, which is just a fancy way of saying it’s a soft-stemmed, herbaceous plant that completes its life cycle in one growing season. As a forb, it lacks the woody tissue you’d find in shrubs or trees, instead maintaining soft, green stems throughout its life.
The microphyllum part of its name suggests this variety has smaller leaves than the typical lambsquarters species, though detailed descriptions of this specific variety are surprisingly scarce in botanical literature.
Where Does It Grow?
This particular variety of lambsquarters has been documented in just three locations within the United States: the District of Columbia, Florida, and Missouri. It’s considered a non-native species that was introduced from elsewhere and now reproduces on its own in these areas.
Should You Consider Growing It?
Here’s where things get interesting – and a bit challenging. While this plant isn’t listed as invasive or noxious, there’s remarkably little information available specifically about this variety. Most gardening and botanical resources focus on the broader species rather than this particular variety.
Since it’s non-native and we don’t have detailed information about its garden performance, growing requirements, or potential impacts, you might want to consider native alternatives instead. Native plants are almost always a safer bet for supporting local ecosystems and wildlife.
The Information Gap
Unfortunately, many details that would help you make an informed decision about this plant remain unknown:
- Specific growing conditions and care requirements
- USDA hardiness zones where it thrives
- Benefits to pollinators and wildlife
- Aesthetic qualities and garden applications
- Propagation methods
- Wetland tolerance
A Better Path Forward
Given the limited information available about Chenopodium album var. microphyllum, consider exploring native alternatives that can provide similar benefits with well-documented growing requirements and ecological value. Native plants in the same family or with similar growth habits would be excellent starting points for your research.
Your local native plant society or extension office can help you identify indigenous species that would thrive in your specific location while supporting local wildlife and pollinators.
The Bottom Line
While lambsquarters varieties have their place in the plant world, this particular variety remains something of a botanical mystery in terms of cultivation and garden use. When in doubt, going native is usually the wisest choice for both your garden’s success and your local ecosystem’s health.
