Leafy goosefoot
Chenopodium foliosum
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. E9E5 — Chenopodium foliosum
Chenopodium foliosumChenopodium foliosumChenopodium foliosumChenopodium foliosumChenopodium foliosumChenopodium foliosumChenopodium foliosumChenopodium foliosumChenopodium foliosumChenopodium foliosumChenopodium foliosumChenopodium foliosumChenopodium foliosumChenopodium foliosum
IOverview
Overview
Leafy goosefoot, scientifically known as Chenopodium foliosum, is an annual plant native to Eurasia and Germany. This member of the Amaranthaceae family thrives in full sun and moist conditions, growing up to 0.6 meters tall. It prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils and can tolerate a range of temperatures from hardiness zones 4-8. The plant is known for its edible parts, including leaves, fruit, and seeds, making it a valuable addition to gardens and landscapes. One distinctive feature of Leafy goosefoot is its adaptability to various soil types, allowing it to grow in diverse environments.
Quick answers
What is Leafy goosefoot?
Leafy goosefoot, scientifically known as Chenopodium foliosum, is an annual plant native to Eurasia and Germany. This member of the Amaranthaceae family thrives in full sun and moist conditions, growing up to 0.6 meters tall.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Leafy goosefoot thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is an annual plant reaching a height of 0.6 meters and is hardy in zones 4-8. Propagate by seed for best results. Harvest the leaves, fruit, and seeds for culinary use.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Annual
Mature size
0.6 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Leafy goosefoot for the first time
8steps
Leafy goosefoot is a straightforward annual plant for beginners to grow.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, small pots or trays, potting soil, a garden bed with full sun exposure.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when temperatures are mild and stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Prepare well-draining soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Transplant seedlings outdoors when they are about 2 inches tall and the weather is warm.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Protect from strong winds or cold snaps.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Fertilize lightly every 4-6 weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent the plant from becoming leggy. Harvest leaves and young shoots as needed for cooking.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in poor soil, neglecting regular pruning, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeavesSeed
Edible uses: The leafy goosefoot is edible and can be consumed in various forms. The leaves, seeds, and fruits are all usable. Leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, while the seeds and fruits are typically dried before use. They may be added to salads for a mild flavor or incorporated into soups and stews.
Other uses:Dye
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
2 native · 28 introduced
Distribution
2 native · 28 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 2 native· 28 introduced
Europe11 regions
native (1)Germany
introduced (10)AlbaniaAustriaBulgariaCyprusFranceGreeceItalyRussiaSpainSwitzerland
Asia10 regions
introduced (10)AfghanistanChinaIranIraqKazakhstanNepalPakistanTurkeyTurkmenistanUzbekistan
Africa2 regions
introduced (2)AlgeriaLibya
Broader regions
native:Eurasia
introduced:Altay, Kirgizstan, Lebanon-Syria, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Tuva
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · e9e5739e-8600-4af0-a977-6da49bf7606e
Decision aid
Choosing between Leafy 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.