Mealy Goosefoot
Chenopodium incanum
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Pl. C045 — Chenopodium incanum
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IOverview
Overview
Mealy Goosefoot, scientifically known as Chenopodium incanum, is an annual forb or herb that thrives in light soils and full sun conditions. Native to regions including Alberta, Arizona, California, Colorado, Kansas, and various parts of Mexico, this plant can also be found across the United States from Missouri to Wyoming. Mealy Goosefoot is known for its edible qualities, with leaves, shoots, and seeds being suitable for consumption. One distinctive feature of this plant is its ability to grow in a variety of soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils, making it adaptable to different environments.
Quick answers
What is Mealy Goosefoot?
Mealy Goosefoot, scientifically known as Chenopodium incanum, is an annual forb or herb that thrives in light soils and full sun conditions.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Mealy Goosefoot thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This annual plant grows to about 0.5 meters tall and is native to regions including Alberta, Arizona, California, Colorado, Kansas, Mexico Northeast, and Northwest. It's hardy in temperate regions and can be propagated through seeds. Harvest the leaves, shoots, and seeds for culinary use.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Mealy Goosefoot for the first time
8steps
Start with simple soil and light conditions for a successful first planting of Mealy Goosefoot.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, small pots or garden space, potting mix, water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Start seeds indoors about 4 weeks before the last frost, then transplant outdoors after danger of frost passes.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist and provide full sun exposure. Monitor for pests like aphids.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize lightly every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back plants in late summer to encourage new growth and prevent seed production.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting pest control, using heavy fertilizers, not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeedShoots
Edible uses: The mealy goosefoot plant is edible and can be consumed in various forms. The leaves, shoots, and seeds are all usable parts. Leaves and shoots are often eaten raw or cooked as a green vegetable. Seeds can be harvested and ground into flour for baking or used whole in dishes.
Other uses:Dye
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
17 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
17 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 17 native
Broader regions
native:Alberta, Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Saskatchewan, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wyoming, California
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · c0451706-4d86-4ac7-a07f-863c67568d8d
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