California Goosefoot
Chenopodium californicum
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. 2797 — Chenopodium californicum
Chenopodium californicumChenopodium californicumChenopodium californicumChenopodium californicumChenopodium californicumChenopodium californicumChenopodium californicumChenopodium californicumChenopodium californicumChenopodium californicumChenopodium californicumChenopodium californicumChenopodium californicumChenopodium californicum
IOverview
Overview
California Goosefoot, scientifically known as Chenopodium californicum, is a native annual plant found in the arid and semi-arid regions of California and northwest Mexico. This hardy plant thrives in full sun and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions, making it adaptable to various soil types including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay). Known for its edible parts—leaves, seeds, and shoots—it is a valuable resource for foragers and gardeners alike. One distinctive feature of California Goosefoot is its ability to grow up to 0.6 meters in height, adding a touch of greenery to landscapes while providing sustenance.
Quick answers
What is California Goosefoot?
California Goosefoot, scientifically known as Chenopodium californicum, is a native annual plant found in the arid and semi-arid regions of California and northwest Mexico.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
California Goosefoot thrives in full sun and can grow to a height of 0.6 meters. It prefers well-drained soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) but will tolerate dry conditions as well. Water it sparingly once established. This annual plant is hardy in temperate regions and can be propagated by seed. Harvest its edible leaves, shoots, and seeds for use in culinary applications.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Mature size
0.6 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow California Goosefoot for the first time
8steps
Start with California Goosefoot for a simple and rewarding gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, small pots or direct planting area, garden tools.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or start seeds indoors about 4 weeks before transplanting.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with full sun. Prepare soil that is well-draining, light to heavy, and free of weeds.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 cm deep in the garden bed or start them indoors in small pots before transplanting.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist until germination. Thin seedlings to about 30 cm apart once they have several leaves.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back any leggy growth to encourage bushier plants. Harvest leaves and shoots as needed for cooking.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil without amending, neglecting to thin seedlings.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeedShoots
Edible uses: Gum
Other uses:DyeGumSoap
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
2 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
2 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 2 native
Broader regions
native:California, Mexico Northwest
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 27972c2f-52c2-4f99-933f-36d4c94d0e45
Decision aid
Choosing between California Goosefoot and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.