Fat hen

Fat Hen is a common name for the plant species Chenopodium album, a member of the Amaranthaceae family. It is a fast-growing weedy annual plant that is found in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and North America.

Description

The Chenopodium album or Fat Hen is a robust herb that can grow up to 2 meters tall. The leaves are diamond-shaped and can be up to 5 cm long and 4 cm broad. The flowers are small, green, and produced in a dense branched panicle. The seeds are small, black, and shiny.

Habitat and Distribution

Fat Hen is a cosmopolitan species, found in many different types of habitats, including disturbed soils, waste areas, and cultivated fields. It is particularly common in temperate regions of the world, but can also be found in subtropical and tropical areas.

Uses

Fat Hen has been used as a food source for thousands of years. The leaves can be cooked and eaten like spinach, and the seeds can be ground into a flour. It is also used in traditional medicine for various ailments, including digestive problems and skin conditions.

Cultivation

Fat Hen is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of soil types, including poor soils. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It is often considered a weed in cultivated fields and gardens, but can also be intentionally grown for its edible leaves and seeds.

Invasive Species

In some regions, Fat Hen is considered an invasive species due to its ability to spread rapidly and outcompete native plants. It can be a significant problem in agricultural fields, where it can reduce crop yields.

See Also

• Chenopodium
• Amaranthaceae
• Invasive species