Winged Pigweed
Cycloloma atriplicifolium
Family: Chenopodiaceae
What it is like
Cycloloma atriplicifolium is a ANNUAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). It is in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 0.8
Where it is found
Sandy soils in deserts. Along the sides of streams and on banks.
Central and Western N. America - northwards to Manitoba and Quebec. Naturalized in S. Europe.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Seed - cooked. It is very small, about 1.5mm in diameter, 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.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The plant has been used in the treatment of fevers, rheumatism and headaches.
Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Other
Rating: 1
A pink dye is obtained from the seed.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
How it is grown
We have almost no information on this species but assume it can be grown as a summer annual in Britain. It probably requires a well-drained fairly light soil in a sunny position.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no information on this plant but suggest sowing the seed in situ in April or May.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist