The Spinach plant is a popular leafy green beloved for its versatility and nutritional value.
The main true culinary spinach is Spinacia oleracea, this belongs to the Amaranthaceae family of plants (the Amaranths).
This spinach is selectively bred and not usually found growing in the wild. Other than in a few areas where it has escaped from gardens and become naturalized.
There are many plants that are a little like spinach that can be found growing in the wild. These include a few species that are actually given the name of Wild Spinach, such as the closely related Lamb's Quarters (Chenopodium album).
While other plants may have the name spinach in them, but don't even belong to the same family e.g., New Zealand Spinach (Tetragonia tetragonoides) and Malabar Spinach (Basella alba).
Exploring the World of Spinach-Like Plants: What You Need to Know
As you have reached this page of the Gardener's HQ site you are probably interested in broadening your culinary or gardening horizons.
I am going to split it into three main categories of spinach-like plants: those bearing a visual resemblance to spinach, those with a similar taste profile, and very importantly, some plants that may look tempting but are actually poisonous.
So, whether you're a kitchen gardener/home cook seeking to add some variety to your recipes; a gardener looking to try something new; or a forager in need of cautionary guidance, I hope that this basic guide will be of use in your quest to learn about spinach like plants.
Easily mistaken plants that are similar to spinach
There are many Plants with leaves that look similar to spinach. These can easily be mistaken for spinach at a glance.
Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) – Although these typically have brightly colored stems, they have leaves that can resemble spinach.
Kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) – Tougher leaves, but can resemble spinach when young.
Collard Greens (Brassica oleracea var. viridis) – These produce broad, dark green leaves, that have a similar shape to spinach.
Turnip Greens (Brassica rapa subsp. rapa) – These have a very similar leaf structure, but are generally a lighter color.
Mustard Greens (Brassica juncea) – Bright green leaves.
Beet Greens (Beta vulgaris) – Similar in appearance, often attached to a beetroot!
Lamb's Quarters (Chenopodium album) – This wild edible that has leaves similar to spinach, and as previously mentioned is sometimes referred to as wild spinach.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) – A few types of basil can look quite similar to young spinach leaves.
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) – Flat-leaf parsley has a resemblance to baby spinach.
Arugula (Eruca vesicaria) – Smaller, can resemble baby spinach.
Weeds and Wild Plants
Dock (Rumex spp.) – Broad leaves, with a red stem.
Plantain (Plantago major) – The broadleaf plantain has fairly similar leaves.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) – Young dandelion leaves can look like spinach, though they are usually more jagged.
Tatsoi (Brassica narinosa / Brassica rapa subsp. narinosa) – This member of the mustard family has dark green, spoon-shaped leaves.
Mache (Valerianella locusta) – Also known as lamb's lettuce or corn salad, these have small rosettes that can be mistaken for baby spinach.
Bok Choy (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) – Baby bok choy can have leaves that resemble spinach.
While many of these plants look fairly similar to spinach, they often have very different flavors, textures, and culinary uses.
Some even contain toxic substances, so correct identification is essential if you are foraging.
Plants that taste fairly similar to Spinach
Leafy Greens
Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) – These are a little bitterer than culinary spinach, but are similar in taste and texture.
Beet Greens (Beta vulgaris) – These have an earthy flavor, which is quite similar to spinach.
Collard Greens (Brassica oleracea var. viridis) – Not as tender, but has a similar flavor to spinach when cooked.
Turnip Greens (Brassica rapa subsp. rapa) – These have a more peppery flavor, similar when cooked.
Kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) – Although it has a more robust and slightly more bitter flavor, it is fairly comparable in flavor once it has been cooked.
Lamb's Quarters (Chenopodium album) – This wild plant is often compared to spinach because of its flavor.
Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) – Although not exactly like spinach in taste, Purslane has a similar quality, but with a slightly tangy, peppery kick.
Tatsoi (Brassica narinosa) – This plant has a mild, mustardy flavor, which becomes more like that of spinach when cooked.
Herbs and Smaller Greens
Arugula (Eruca vesicaria) – A more peppery taste, try mixing it with spinach for a great tasting salad.
Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) – Has a peppery kick, and shares many flavor characteristics with spinach.
Mache (Valerianella locusta) – Very mild in taste.
Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) – Sorrel has a tangy, lemony flavor. Similar culinary applications to spinach.
Exotic or Less Common Plants
Amaranth Leaves (Amaranthus spp.) – These are often used in Asian and African cuisines, and have a somewhat spinach-like flavor.
Malabar Spinach (Basella alba) – Not a true spinach, but gets its name because of its similar taste; often used in a similar way.
New Zealand Spinach (Tetragonia tetragonoides) – Again not a true spinach with a similar flavor and usage.
Orach (Atriplex hortensis) – The Mountain spinach, Orach can make a good substitute plant for spinach.
Poisonous plants that look like spinach
If you are picking wild plants then it is important to realize that there are many plants that look similar to spinach but are in fact poisonous.
Here is a list of some plants that can easily be confused with spinach at some point of their life cycle. And a few of the key giveaways that distinguish them from actual spinach.
White Snakeroot (Ageratina altissima) – This plant has a cluster of white flowers. Spinach does not flower in the same way.
Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) – Unlike spinach, it can have purple stems and berries.
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) – Look out for the bell-shaped flowers; spinach does not have the same type of blossom.
Belladonna (Atropa belladonna) – This plant has dark berries; its leaf edges are generally smoother than those of spinach.
Hemlock (Conium maculatum) – Hemlock may have purple splotches on the stem, this feature is not present in spinach.
Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus) – Leaves often have a curled or "crisped" edge, whereas spinach leaves are smoother and flatter.
Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) – Look for leaves that are grouped in threes; spinach leaves do not grow in this manner.
Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium) – This plant has large, trumpet-shaped flowers and spiky seed pods, these are not features of spinach.
If you are picking wild plants, then it is essential that you have a good field guide of the plants local to the area.
Ideally, have an expert foliage or botanist local to the area to learn from. If in doubt, leave spinach looking plants well alone!
