Waiting at the bus stop today, I was delighted to see that there is a survivor from the council mowed Fat Hen (Lambs quarters) population in the nearby scrubland! Here it is, looking defiant and determined to spread seed, in a pavement crack close by. Not one for picking though as its likely been walked over many times and is so close to the road.  Its seeds won’t know the difference however and this little urban warrior may help to populate the scrubland next year. I do hope so, Fat hen is one of the tastiest wild* vegetables that I know.

*Fat hen was once a popular cultivated vegetable which fell out of favour for some reason. Perhaps it was knowledge of its high Oxalic acid content or simply that blander palates fancied growing and eating something more spinach-like. Whatever the reason, Fat hen (Chenopodium album) is now a scrubland and hedgerow delicacy which I and many others, love to find!

Later today I’m hoping for a little sun and drier weather as its my first Canal side urban herb walk. What will we find, I wonder…