Family: Chenopodiaceae
An extremely variable annual with erect, rigid stems, 1 to 4 or more feet in height. Frequent branching to 3 feet wide. Leaf blades to several inches long, either broadly or narrowly ovate to triangular shaped. Flowers very small and mealy appearing. Seeds numerous, black and shining. Leaves are somewhat mealy, also. A very common weed of warm weather. Excellent as cooked greens in springtime. Should be eradicated if spinach, beets, or chard are grown. An alternate host of beet leafhopper. Naturalized from Eurasia. Likes fertile soil.