PlantFiles: Galinsoga, Quickweed, Pittsburgh Pest, Shaggy Soldier
Galinsoga quadriradiata

Many would consider this to be a nasty invasive garden pest, which in a way it is, but I welcome it. I value it as a Wild Edible Plant. Here is some information on it from The Encyclopedia of Edible Plants of North America by Francois Couplan, Ph.D. This pertains to all the Galinsogas of the Americas and G. quadriradiata is very closely related to G. parviflora. In fact, it's difficult to tell them apart at a glance.

"When young, G. parviflora - naturalized from tropical America - is eaten as a cooked vegetable in Southeastern Asia where the plant has been introduced.

Named "guasca" in Quechua, it has been used as food in the Andes since the time of the Incas. It is cultivated along with corn and sold in markets. The whole plant is eaten and its flavor is very good. Cooked with chicken and potatoes, it forms the basis of the Bolivian national dish, "agiaco."

G. cilita is edible and has a pleasant flavor as well."

The following is from Edible Wild Plants: Eastern / Central North America by Lee Allen Peterson.

"Use: Cooked Green. Excellent boiled for 10-15 minutes and served with butter or vinegar."