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Re: information request: lambsquarters (fwd)



In article <9410221457.AA04250@sunsite.oit.unc.edu> you write:
> Hi! For my B.Sc. (Agric)- horticulture undergraduate project I am examining
> different seed treatments of lamb's quarters (Chenopodium album L.) in order to
> obtain information for a better method to increase harvestable yield of
> herbage. Yes herbage! 
>    I am examining this plant as it is a suitable potherb and there is a market
> for it (and it tastes good too!).
>    I am looking for information about:
> - edible uses, culture, other uses (ie. cover crop, forage) 

Here is what the "Plants for a Future" plant database has to say about it ...

Latin name: Chenopodium album
Botanical references: 17
Family: Chenopodiaceae
Common name: Fat hen
Habit: Annual
Deciduous/Evergreen:
Height:            0.9
Width:            0.2
Hardyness:
Range: Britain.
Habitat: A common weed of cultivated g
Soil: LMH
Shade: N
Moisture: M
Well-drained: 0
Nitrogen fixer: 0
pH: ANB
Acid: 0
Alkaline: 0
Saline: 0
Wind:
Growth rate:
Pollution:
Poor soil: 0
Drought: 0
Wildlife: 0
Woodland: 0
Meadow: 0
Wall: 0
In leaf:
Flowering time: 7 - 10
Seed ripens: 8 - 10
Flower Type: H
Pollinators: Wind
Self-fertile:
Known hazards: The leaves and seeds of all 
               members of this genus are 
               more or less edible. 
               However, many of the species 
               in this genus contain 
               saponins, though usually in 
               quantities too small to do 
               any harm. Although toxic, 
               saponins are poorly absorbed 
               by the body and most pass 
               straight through without any 
               problem. They are also 
               broken down to a large 
               extent in the cooking 
               process. Saponins are found 
               in many foods, such as some 
               beans. The plants also 
               contain some oxalic acid, 
               which in large quantities 
               can lock up some of the 
               nutrients in the food, but 
               they are very nutritious 
               vegetables in reasonable 
               quantities.  There is also a 
               report that very large 
               quantities of the leaves 
               have caused photosensitivity 
               in some people[74]. Only the 
               raw leaves can cause 
               problems, and then only if 
               large quantities are 
               consumed[172].

Synonyms: C. reticulatum.

Cultivation details: Succeeds on most soils, but 
                     dislikes shade[1, 200].  
                     Prefers a moderately fertile 
                     soil[200].
                     In moderate amounts this 
                     plant is a good companion 
                     for potatoes, corn and 
                     cucurbits[20, 54]. 
                     Responds directly to the Mg 
                     content of the soil so it 
                     can be used as an 
                     indicator[114]. 
                     Occassionally cultivated as 
                     a food crop,[46] there is at 
                     least one named 
                     variety[183]. Called 
                     'Magenta' in reference to 
                     the colour of its leaves, it 
                     is considered by some people 
                     to be the best tasting of 
                     all potherbs[183].

Edible uses: Leaves - raw or cooked[2, 4, 
             5, 9, 12, 20, 54, 62, 102]. 
             A very acceptable spinach 
             substitute[183]. The leaves 
             are best not eaten raw, see 
             notes at the top of the 
             page[74]. The leaves are 
             generally very nutritious 
             but very large quantities 
             can disturb the nervous 
             system and cause gastric 
             pain[74]. The leaves contain 
             about 3.9% protein, 0.76% 
             fat, 8.93% carbohydrate, 3% 
             ash[179].
             Edible seed - dried and 
             ground into a meal and eaten 
             raw or baked into a 
             bread[[2, 4, 12, 14, 54, 
             102, 183]. The seed can also 
             be sprouted and added to 
             salads[183]. The seed is 
             very fiddly to harvest and 
             use due to its small 
             size[9]. The seed should be 
             soaked in water overnight 
             and thoroughly rinsed before 
             it is used in order to 
             remove any saponins. Seeds 
             contain about 49% 
             carbohydrate, 16% protein, 
             7% ash, 5.88% ash[114, 179].
             Young inflorescences - 
             cooked[183].
Medicinal: Antiphlogistic, 
           antirheumatic, 
           odontalgic[172].

Uses notes:  A green dye is obtained 
             from the young shoots[99].
             The crushed fresh roots are 
             a mild soap substitute[106].

Propagation 1: Seed - sow spring in situ. 
               Usually self-sows freely in 
               most soils.

Cultivars: -
Heavy clay: 0
Last update:16/12/93
Record checked: -

-- 
Nikki Locke,Trumphurst Ltd.(PC & Unix consultancy) nikki@trmphrst.demon.co.uk
trmphrst.demon.co.uk is NOT affiliated with ANY other sites at demon.co.uk.
Article 26702 of rec.gardens:
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From: HEIM@MACC.WISC.EDU (John Heim)
Newsgroups: rec.gardens,rec.birds
Subject: Landscaping for Wildlife (Shrubs & Vines)
Date: 16 Feb 1994 21:07:41 GMT
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                          Landscaping for Wildlife
                              Shrubs and Vines

Below is a report from a database I've been putting together of plants
useful in attracting wildlife to your yard.  Right now I am working on
planting some shrubs and/or vines in my yard so that's all I've included
so far.  Eventually I intend to add trees and both annual and perennial
non-woody plants.

Much of the information below is from documents sent to me by Christine
Quinn.  Also very useful was Walter E. Shultz's book "How to Attract,
House and Feed Birds".  Most of the information on growing these plants
is from the J.W. Jung Seed & Nursery Co. catalog and from "The Readers
Digest Complete Book of the Garden"

The prices listed below are from the Jung catalog unless otherwise noted.
I've included the price in my database primarily for my own benefit
because I intend to order from Jung this year.  I've included it here
because I thought you might find it useful as well.  I have no affiliation
with Jung but I have order from them a lot in the past and have always
been happy.

Any corrections or additions you might have will be appreciated.


Species:  Arrowwood             (Viburnum dentatum             )

    Location: Sun, pt shade           Soil:    Moist, w drain
    Zones:    3+                      Height:  6-8 ft
    Cover:    Y                       Nesting: Y
    Flowers:  JUN                     Berries: OCT             Seeds:
    Price:              4.95

    Species attracted: Robin, bluebird, thrushes, catbird, vireo, flickers

    Notes:


Species:  Barberry, Japanese    (Berberis thunbergii           )

    Location: Full sun                Soil:    Any
    Zones:    4+                      Height:  3-6 ft
    Cover:                            Nesting:
    Flowers:                          Berries: F-W             Seeds:
    Price:              7.95

    Species attracted: Mockingbirds, waxwings, sparrows

    Notes: Price is for 3 plants.  "Thorns provide excellent cover and
           nesting." - Shultz

Species:  Bayberry              (Myrica pensylvanica           )

    Location: Sun, pt shade           Soil:    Sandy
    Zones:    3+                      Height:
    Cover:                            Nesting:
    Flowers:                          Berries: F-W             Seeds:
    Price:

    Species attracted: 75 species

    Notes: "Best food producer in Easter states." - Shultz


Species:  Bittersweet           (Celastrus loesneri            )

    Location: Sun, pt shade           Soil:    Any
    Zones:    3+                      Height:  20 ft vine
    Cover:                            Nesting:
    Flowers:  AUG                     Berries: DEC             Seeds:
    Price:              4.55

    Species attracted: Songbirds, gamebirds

    Notes: Planting 2 or more will give better assurance of fruiting.


Species:  Blackberry            (Rubus species                 )

    Location: Sun                     Soil:    Well drained
    Zones:    3+                      Height:  4-6 ft
    Cover:    Y                       Nesting:
    Flowers:                          Berries: YES             Seeds:
    Price:              5.95

    Species attracted: 97 bird species

    Notes: Price is for 3 plants.


Species:  Blackhaw              (Viburnum prunifolium          )

    Location: Sun, shade              Soil:    Moist
    Zones:                            Height:  20 ft
    Cover:    Y                       Nesting: Y
    Flowers:  AUG                     Berries: F-W             Seeds:
    Price:

    Species attracted: Mockingbird, waxwings, thrushes

    Notes:


Species:  Blueberry             (Vaccinium species             )

    Location: Sun, pt shade           Soil:    Moist acid
    Zones:    5+                      Height:  2-6 ft
    Cover:    Y                       Nesting:
    Flowers:  MAY                     Berries: SEP             Seeds:
    Price:              5.95

    Species attracted: Blubirds, thrushes, other songbirds

    Notes: Some varieties hardy to zone 3.


Species:  Buckthorn             (Rhamnus cathartica            )

    Location:                         Soil:    Dry
    Zones:                            Height:  12 ft
    Cover:    Y                       Nesting: Y
    Flowers:                          Berries: YES             Seeds:
    Price:

    Species attracted: Grouse, pheasants, finches, thrashers, waxwings

    Notes: "Good hedge" - Shultz


Species:  Burning bush          (Euonymus alata                )

    Location: Sun, pt shade           Soil:
    Zones:    5+                      Height:  4-5 ft
    Cover:    Y                       Nesting:
    Flowers:                          Berries: DEC             Seeds: YES
    Price:              6.95

    Species attracted: Songbirds, pheasants

    Notes: Needs pruning for best results.


Species:  Butterfly Bush        (Buddleis davidii              )

    Location: Full sun                Soil:    Well drainded
    Zones:    5+                      Height:  2-8 ft
    Cover:                            Nesting:
    Flowers:  AUG                     Berries: NO              Seeds:
    Price:              4.95

    Species attracted: Hummingbirds

    Notes: Blue, pink or white flowers.


Species:  Cardinal Olive        (Elaeagnus umbellata           )

    Location:                         Soil:
    Zones:    4+                      Height:  8-10 ft
    Cover:    Y                       Nesting:
    Flowers:                          Berries: SEP             Seeds:
    Price:              2.95

    Species attracted: Songbirds

    Notes:


Species:  Coralberry            (Symphoricarpus doore          )

    Location: Sun, pt shade           Soil:
    Zones:    5+                      Height:  3-4 ft
    Cover:    Y                       Nesting:
    Flowers:                          Berries: F-W             Seeds:
    Price:              5.95

    Species attracted: Songbirds, gamebirds

    Notes:


Species:  Cotoneaster           (Cotoneaster species           )

    Location: Sun                     Soil:    Well drainded
    Zones:    3+                      Height:  3-6 ft
    Cover:                            Nesting:
    Flowers:                          Berries: F-W             Seeds:
    Price:              5.95

    Species attracted: Mockingbird, finches, and waxwings

    Notes: Price is for 3 plants


Species:  Cranberry, American   (Viburnum trilobum             )

    Location: Sun, pt shade           Soil:    Well drainded
    Zones:    3+                      Height:  8-10 ft
    Cover:    Y                       Nesting:
    Flowers:  MAY                     Berries: F-W             Seeds:
    Price:              5.95

    Species attracted: Cardinals, waxwings, thrushes, finches, woodpeckers

    Notes:


Species:  Current, Red          (Ribes species                 )

    Location: Sun, pt shade           Soil:    Any
    Zones:    3+                      Height:  2-3 ft
    Cover:                            Nesting:
    Flowers:                          Berries: AUG             Seeds:
    Price:              3.95

    Species attracted: Catbird, jays, magpie, and robins

    Notes: Not compatable with white pine.


Species:  Dogwood               (Cornus sericea                )

    Location: Sun                     Soil:    Moist, wet
    Zones:    3+                      Height:  6-8 ft
    Cover:    Y                       Nesting:
    Flowers:  AUG                     Berries: JAN             Seeds:
    Price:              4.25

    Species attracted: Catbird, downy woodpecker, thrushes, and finches

    Notes:


Species:  Elderberry            (Sambucus species              )

    Location: Sun shade               Soil:    Well drained
    Zones:    3-9                     Height:  6-8 ft
    Cover:    Y                       Nesting: Y
    Flowers:  AUG                     Berries: NOV             Seeds:
    Price:              6.95

    Species attracted: 115 birds

    Notes: Price is for 2 plants.  One plant alone will not bear fruit.


Species:  Firethorn             (Pyracantha coccinea           )

    Location: Sun                     Soil:    Well drained
    Zones:                            Height:
    Cover:                            Nesting:
    Flowers:  SEP                     Berries: F-W             Seeds:
    Price:

    Species attracted: Waxwings, mockingbirds, and thrushes

    Notes:


Species:  Greenbrier            (                              )

    Location:                         Soil:
    Zones:                            Height:
    Cover:    Y                       Nesting: Y
    Flowers:                          Berries: F-W             Seeds:
    Price:

    Species attracted: Songbirds

    Notes:


Species:  Holly, Inkberry       (Ilex glabra                   )

    Location: Sun, pt shade           Soil:    Moist
    Zones:    5+                      Height:  10 ft vine
    Cover:    Y                       Nesting:
    Flowers:                          Berries: YES             Seeds:
    Price:

    Species attracted: Chickadee, titmouse, bobwhite, bluebird, robin,
                       catbird
    Notes:


Species:  Holly, Oregon Grape   (Mahonia aquifolium            )

    Location: Shade                   Soil:    Moist acid
    Zones:    5+                      Height:  4 ft vine
    Cover:    Y                       Nesting:
    Flowers:  JUL                     Berries: SEP             Seeds:
    Price:

    Species attracted: Songbirds

    Notes: Not a true holly.


Species:  Honeysuckle           (Lonicera tatarica             )

    Location: Sun, part shade         Soil:    Any
    Zones:    3+                      Height:  8-10 ft
    Cover:    Y                       Nesting: Y
    Flowers:  MAY                     Berries: YES             Seeds:
    Price:              3.95

    Species attracted: Hummingbirds, songbirds

    Notes:


Species:  Huckleberry, black    (                              )

    Location:                         Soil:
    Zones:                            Height:
    Cover:    Y                       Nesting:
    Flowers:  JUL                     Berries: AUG             Seeds:
    Price:              1.10

    Species attracted: Grosbeaks, towhees, bluebirds, robins, chickadees,
                       catbirds
    Notes: Price is for seed packet.


Species:  Juniper               (Juniperus chimemsis           )

    Location: Sun                     Soil:    Well drainded
    Zones:    2+                      Height:  2-10 ft
    Cover:    Y                       Nesting: Y
    Flowers:                          Berries: YES             Seeds:
    Price:

    Species attracted: Songbirds

    Notes: Dense foliage provides cover.


Species:  Lilac                 (Syringa species               )

    Location: Full sun                Soil:    Neutral
    Zones:    3+                      Height:  10-15 ft
    Cover:                            Nesting:
    Flowers:  MAY                     Berries: NO              Seeds:
    Price:

    Species attracted: Butterflies

    Notes:


Species:  Matrimony vine        (Lycium halimifolium           )

    Location: Sun                     Soil:    Any
    Zones:                            Height:  10 ft vine
    Cover:    Y                       Nesting:
    Flowers:  AUG                     Berries: DEC             Seeds:
    Price:

    Species attracted: Songbirds

    Notes: "Strong spines provide excellent cover" - Shultz


Species:  Nannyberry            (Viburnum lentago              )

    Location: Sun, pt shade           Soil:    Any
    Zones:    3+                      Height:  25 ft
    Cover:    Y                       Nesting: Y
    Flowers:  YES                     Berries: YES             Seeds:
    Price:

    Species attracted: Grouse, pheasants, songbirds

    Notes: Suckers will form thickets.


Species:  Pasture rose          (Rosa carolina                 )

    Location: Sun                     Soil:    Any
    Zones:    3+                      Height:  3 ft
    Cover:                            Nesting: Y
    Flowers:  AUG                     Berries: F-W             Seeds:
    Price:

    Species attracted: 40  species

    Notes: "Strong spines provide best possible protection." - Shultz


Species:  Privet, Amur          (Ligustrum amurense            )

    Location: Sun, pt shade           Soil:    Not wet
    Zones:    3+                      Height:  6 ft
    Cover:    Y                       Nesting:
    Flowers:  YES                     Berries: YES             Seeds:
    Price:              9.95

    Species attracted: Mockingbirds, waxwings, butterflies

    Notes: Price is for 10 plants.


Species:  Quince, flowering     (Chaenomeles japonica          )

    Location: Sun, shade              Soil:    Well drainded
    Zones:                            Height:
    Cover:                            Nesting:
    Flowers:  YES                     Berries: NO              Seeds:
    Price:

    Species attracted: Hummingbirds

    Notes:


Species:  Raspberry (Red, Blk)  (Rubus species                 )

    Location: Full sun                Soil:    Any
    Zones:    2+                      Height:  4-6 ft
    Cover:    Y                       Nesting: Y
    Flowers:                          Berries: JUN             Seeds:
    Price:              6.50

    Species attracted: Songbirds

    Notes: Price is for 5 plants.  Will form dense thicket.


Species:  Sand Cherry           (                              )

    Location:                         Soil:    Sandy
    Zones:                            Height:  3 ft
    Cover:                            Nesting:
    Flowers:  JUL                     Berries: AUG             Seeds:
    Price:

    Species attracted: Songbirds

    Notes:


Species:  Serviceberry          (Amelanchier canadens          )

    Location: Sun, shade              Soil:    Any
    Zones:    3-7                     Height:  10-20 ft
    Cover:    Y                       Nesting:
    Flowers:                          Berries: JUL             Seeds:
    Price:              5.98

    Species attracted: Songbirds

    Notes: Price is from Henry Fields Seed Co.


Species:  Snowberry             (Symphoricarpos hybri          )

    Location: Sun, pt shade           Soil:
    Zones:    4+                      Height:  4-5 ft
    Cover:    Y                       Nesting:
    Flowers:  JUN                     Berries: F-W             Seeds:
    Price:              4.95

    Species attracted: Songbirds

    Notes:


Species:  Spirea, Blue Mist     (Caryopteris incana            )

    Location: Full sun                Soil:    Any
    Zones:                            Height:
    Cover:                            Nesting:
    Flowers:  YES                     Berries: NO              Seeds:
    Price:

    Species attracted: Butterflies

    Notes:


Species:  Sumac, Cut Leaf       (Rhus typhina                  )

    Location:                         Soil:    Any
    Zones:    3+                      Height:  8-10 ft
    Cover:    Y                       Nesting:
    Flowers:                          Berries: YES             Seeds:
    Price:              5.95

    Species attracted:

    Notes:


Species:  Virginia Creeper      (Parthenocissus quinquefolia   )

    Location:                         Soil:
    Zones:                            Height:
    Cover:    Y                       Nesting: Y
    Flowers:                          Berries: AUG             Seeds:
    Price:

    Species attracted: Songbirds

    Notes: Also called American Ivy.  "Perhaps best producer of natural food
           for birds, plant wherever possible." - Shultz

Species:  Winterberry           (Ilex verticillata             )

    Location: Sun, pt shade           Soil:
    Zones:                            Height:  10 ft vine
    Cover:                            Nesting:
    Flowers:                          Berries: F-W             Seeds:
    Price:

    Species attracted: Songbirds

    Notes:


Species:  Withe rod             (Viburnum cassinoides          )

    Location: Sun, pt shade           Soil:
    Zones:                            Height:
    Cover:                            Nesting:
    Flowers:                          Berries: F-W             Seeds:
    Price:

    Species attracted: Songbirds (35 species)

    Notes:


Species:  Yew, Japanese         (Taxus species                 )

    Location: Sun, shade              Soil:    Well drainded
    Zones:                            Height:
    Cover:    Y                       Nesting: Y
    Flowers:                          Berries: NO              Seeds: YES
    Price:

    Species attracted: Robin, mockingbird, sparrow

    Notes:




e...epermaculture.pagem...m Home.Aquaculture-guidem
CWTT.v1.n2m Remineralize-the-Earthm Enlivened-Rock-Powdersm8.sust-org-ag-permaculture.newsletters+magazinesm,"Breed.Your.Own.Cegetable.Varietiesm<2Methodologies.for.Screening.Soil.Improving.Legumesm0&Solar.Gardening.solar-season-extendersm	 readings-in-biodynamicsm
(Water-Resources-Publicationsm4(The.Global.Gardener.B.Mollison.videotapem(Food.From.Dryland.Gardensm
0'Permaculture.Resources.mail-order-booksmCSA-Handbookm$Biodynamic.Farming.Practicem agAccess.contact.infomSell.What.You.Sowm,"Permaculture.International.Journalm Soul.of.Soil.agAccesm0$The.Soul.of.Soil.eco-soil-mgmt-guidem4+The.Soul.of.Soil.ecological-soil-managementm(Holistic.Resource.ManagementmBuild.Your.Arkm(Building.Soils.for.Better.Cropsm@ organic-agriculture-reading-listm$foliar-feeding.literaturemFertile.Soilnindicator.geobotanyn4+windbreaks-shelterbelts.research-literaturen(A.Survival.Acre-by-Linda.Runyonn(companion-planting.literaturen<0Permaculture-Sustainable.Farming.Ranching.Livingn'Organic.Method.Primer.UPDATE.B.RateaverFrom sustag@beta.tricity.wsu.eduMon May 27 13:13:45 1996
Date: Mon, 27 May 1996 07:45:02 -0700 (PDT)
From: "Tom Hodges (moderated newsgroup)" <sustag@beta.tricity.wsu.edu>
To: Principles of Sustainable Agriculture <sustag-l@listproc.wsu.edu>
Subject: living mulch (fwd)



---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Mon, 27 May 1996 08:38:39 -0700
From: LARRY BREECH <dablbb@sunlink.net>
To: sustag@beta.tricity.wsu.edu
Subject: living mulch

I am a PA farmer who is currently growing corn in a living mulch made up
of crown vetch and trefoil. The purpose is to learn how to eliminate soil
erosion and improve soil tilth. Our humus number has gone from 7 to 30 in
this field the last few years, but, competition from the mulch has had a
negative impact on yield. Has anyone had any experience with this growing
technique and able to offer some sugestions on improving production?
Larry Breech