About Dysphania atriplicifolia (Spreng.) G.Kadereit, Sukhor. & Uotila
This is a bushy annual herb that forms a rounded pale green clump which can grow over 0.5 meters (1 foot 8 inches) tall. It is very intricately branched, with toothed leaves growing near its base. Its spreading stems hold widely spaced small flowers and small immature fruits, which are fringed with a nearly transparent membranous wing. In autumn, this plant becomes a tumbleweed. Its fruit is a utricle around 2 millimeters long, containing a single seed.
Dysphania atriplicifolia is native to central North America. It is currently spreading, and has been occasionally reported in distant areas ranging from California to Maine to the Canadian prairie. It is classified as an introduced species anywhere outside of central North America.
The seeds of this plant are eaten as a food staple by Native American peoples, including the Zuni and Hopi. The Zuni mix these seeds with ground corn to make mush. They also grind the seeds, mix them with corn meal, and prepare steamed cakes from the mixture. Additionally, the Zuni chew the plant's blossoms and rub the chewed blossoms over their hands for protection.
