Herb: Winged Pigweed


Latin name: Cycloloma atriplicifolium


Synonyms: Kochia atriplicifolia


Family: Chenopodiaceae (Goosefoot Family)



Medicinal use of Winged Pigweed:

The plant has been used in the treatment of fevers, rheumatism and headaches.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Annual


Height:
75 cm
(2 feet)

Habitat of the herb:

Sandy soils in deserts. Along the sides of streams and on banks.

Edible parts of Winged Pigweed:

Seed - cooked. It is very small but was used as a staple food by several native North American Indian tribes. It can be ground into a powder and mixed with wheat or other cereals and used in making bread etc. It can also be used as a gruel.

Other uses of the herb:

A pink dye is obtained from the seed.

Propagation of Winged Pigweed:

Seed - we have no information on this plant but suggest sowing the seed in situ in April or May.

Cultivation of the herb:

Sandy soils in deserts. Along the sides of streams and on banks.

Known hazards of Cycloloma atriplicifolium:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.