What key visual feature identifies young Fat Hen leaves and stems?
Answer
Fine, white, powdery or mealy coating
The distinctive characteristic used for identifying Fat Hen, especially in its younger stages of growth, is the presence of a fine, white coating present on the leaves and stems. This powdery or mealy texture gives the plant a somewhat dusty appearance. This feature is explicitly noted as a strong indicator during identification, setting it apart visually from other common plants encountered in disturbed soils. While the leaves also exhibit a goosefoot shape, the mealy texture is highlighted as a key identifier that beginners must look for, often being more pronounced on new growth.
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