Summary: Nope it isn’t Lambsquarters it is Huauzontle (Wah-Zont-Lay) Recently I posted a photo on facebook included here in the show notes. The photo is of a plant called huauzontle (pronounced wah-zont-lay), a relative of lambsquarters. While only one person guessing the plant species got it right what actually surprised me was they crescendo of the use of the word “weed”. Sometimes I sit and wonder if tomatoes and peppers and lettuce just grew in large swaths on their own would we call them weed too? For example this so called weed huauzontle has actually been cultivated for centuries and is currently “en vogue” with many Mexican gardeners in LA. I find it interesting that many of the plants I purposely plant in my garden like lambsquartes, huauzontle and purslane are classified as weeds by so many others. Am I just so weirdo that likes “weeds” or is there something more to it? Many of these plants are great eating, easy to cultivate and pack a great nutritional punch. Many are also great for livestock, wildlife support, predator habitat and still others do all of the above. Join Me Today As We Discuss the Merits of These Unusual Edible Plants First what is a weed and what isn’t? Plants I love to grow that many call weeds Lambsquarters (seed source) Huauzontle (seed source) Chickweed (seed source) Dandelion (seed source – Bonus – “French Dandelion“) Purslane (seed source) Sumac (How to Propagate Sumac) Wild Mucadine – (Video on how to “air bud” them) Chicory (seed source) Plantain (seed source) Plants you won’t find in the average garden or back yard Amaranth (seed source – There are hundreds of varieties and sources) Skirret (seed source scroll almost to the bottom of the page) Birdhouse Gourd (seed source) Bushel Gourd (seed source) Millet (seed source) Perilla Leaf (seed source) Perennial Onions “walking” and “multiplier” (seed source) Perennial Leaks (seed source) Buckwheat (seed source) Red Cow Peas (seed source) Tepary Beans (seed source) Resources for Today’s Show Members Support Brigade TSP Copper Join Our Forum Meet Me in Arlington for the Self Reliance Expo Sawtooth Tactical – (sponsor of the day) Western Botanicals – (sponsor of the day) Nutritional Info on Tepary Beans Some of My Favorite Small Seed Suppliers to Find Unusual Stuff – These are a group of small seed houses where I have found many unusual and all but lost to time seed varieties and species. Sustainable Seed Company Natives Seed/SEARCH Adaptive Seeds Sand Mountain Herbs Kitazawa Seeds Southern Exposure Seed Exchange Smart Seed Store Amish Land Seeds Remember to comment, chime in and tell us your thoughts, this podcast is one man’s opinion, not a lecture or sermon. Also please enter our listener appreciation contest and help spread the word about our show. Also remember you can call in your questions and comments to 866-65-THINK and you might hear yourself on the air.
