ID Guide: Fat hen

Common names: Fat hen, white goosefoot, lambs quarters

Latin: Chenopodium album

Appearance: Fat hen has large, green leaves that are a rounded triangular shape. A good distinguishing feature is the silvery sheen on the leaves, created by thousands of tiny water-repellent crystals. From June onwards there will be tiny spirals of green and white flowers on spikes coming from the bases of the leaves.

Where: Fat hen grows in lots of environments, particularly those recently disturbed like waste grounds or the edges of gardens (hence it is commonly considered a weed).

How to forage: All parts of the plant are edible, but the stem is not desirable. Pluck off whichever part of the plant you want to use with your fingers.

When: April to October

How to use: The fat hen leaves have a cabbage-like taste and can be used fresh in salads or cooked like spinach. When bloomed, the flowers go well as salad toppings.