Foetid Goosefoot
Chenopodium graveolens
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. 33FD — Chenopodium graveolens
Chenopodium graveolensChenopodium graveolensChenopodium graveolensChenopodium graveolensChenopodium graveolensChenopodium graveolensChenopodium graveolensChenopodium graveolensChenopodium graveolensChenopodium graveolensChenopodium graveolensChenopodium graveolensChenopodium graveolensChenopodium graveolens
IOverview
Overview
Foetid Goosefoot (Chenopodium graveolens) is an annual forb or herb native to regions including Argentina Northwest, Arizona, Bolivia, Chile Central, Guatemala, Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, and other parts of the southwestern United States. This plant thrives in moist conditions with light to heavy soil types, particularly preferring a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. Known for its edible leaves and seeds, Foetid Goosefoot is valued as an ornamental and culinary herb. One distinctive feature sets it apart: it can grow up to 0.9 meters tall, making it a notable presence in gardens or landscapes where it is cultivated.
Quick answers
What is Foetid Goosefoot?
Foetid Goosefoot (Chenopodium graveolens) is an annual forb or herb native to regions including Argentina Northwest, Arizona, Bolivia, Chile Central, Guatemala, Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, and other parts of the southwestern United States.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Foetid Goosefoot thrives in light to medium soils and can tolerate heavier clay soils as well. It prefers a moist environment with a soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5. This annual plant requires full sun or partial shade and grows up to 0.9 meters tall. For cultivation, sow seeds directly into the garden bed after all danger of frost has passed. Keep the soil consistently moist throughout the growing season. Harvest leaves and seeds for culinary use. The plant is hardy in temperate regions but may require protection from extreme cold or heat depending on local conditions.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.9 m tall
Soil pH
5.5–6.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Foetid Goosefoot for the first time
8steps
Start with Foetid Goosefoot as a simple annual herb, focusing on basic care and harvesting.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a container or garden bed, potting soil if using containers.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5; mix in compost if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 inches deep, spacing them about 12-18 inches apart; for containers, use a pot at least 12 inches wide.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and provide light shade to prevent sunburn.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid overwatering. Mulch around plants to retain moisture.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back any leggy growth and harvest leaves as needed for cooking; seeds can be collected when they turn brown.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, not providing enough light.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: The Foetid Goosefoot is edible and its leaves and seeds can be consumed. The leaves are typically eaten fresh or cooked, while the seeds can be dried for later use. Both parts add a mild flavor to dishes.
Other uses:Dye
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 30 native
Europe7 regions
native (7)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaPortugalSpain
Asia3 regions
native (3)AfghanistanBangladeshIndia
Americas3 regions
native (3)BoliviaGuatemalaPeru
Africa1 region
native (1)Algeria
Broader regions
native:Argentina Northwest, Alabama, Mexico Central, Arizona, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Texas, Utah, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Chile Central, Mexico Northwest, Amur, Arkansas, Baltic States, Buryatiya
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 · 33fdc29f-a3ea-441d-9b5f-5f70ad19e585
Decision aid
Choosing between Foetid 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.