Flower Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| English Name | Fat Hen |
| Also Known As | Wild Spinach |
| Scientific Name | Chenopodium album |
| MainColor | Green |
| PlantType |  Herb |
| Distribution |  Native |
| Season Found | September (Jul - Oct) |
| ImageUrl | Chenopodium-002 |
| Photographer | DP |
| Location Found | Hemel Hempstead |
| Country Found | UK |
| Last Updated | 13 September 2026 |
| Photo Quality | A |
Flower Details
Description
Fat Hen is an annual herbaceous plant that can grow up to 1.5 metres tall. It has diamond-shaped leaves that are often covered with a white, powdery coating. The flowers are small, green, and clustered in dense spikes.
Distribution
This plant is widespread across Europe, Asia, and North America, thriving in disturbed soils such as fields, gardens, and roadsides.
Medicinal/Other Uses
✅ Fat Hen has been used in traditional medicine for its purported anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties.
Edibility
Edible - young leaves and shoots can be eaten raw or cooked, often used as a spinach substitute.
Human Toxicity
Mildly_Toxic
Mildly Toxic - contains oxalic acid which can cause discomfort if consumed in large quantities.
Pet Toxicity
Mildly Toxic to dogs - ingestion may lead to mild gastrointestinal upset.
Active Compounds
Saponins, oxalic acid, betaine.