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Mealy Goosefoot

Chenopodium incanum
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Chenopodium incanum (Mealy Goosefoot) — botanical photograph
Pl. C045 — Chenopodium incanum
Chenopodium incanumChenopodium incanumChenopodium incanumChenopodium incanumChenopodium incanumChenopodium incanumChenopodium incanumChenopodium incanumChenopodium incanumChenopodium incanumChenopodium incanumChenopodium incanumChenopodium incanumChenopodium incanum
I

Overview

Mealy Goosefoot, scientifically known as Chenopodium incanum, is an annual forb or herb that thrives in a variety of soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils, particularly in full sun conditions. Native to regions such as 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. The leaves and shoots can be eaten raw or cooked as a green vegetable, while the seeds can be harvested and ground into flour for baking or used whole in dishes. This plant's adaptability to different soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils, makes it a versatile addition to gardens and landscapes. While primarily used for its culinary value, Mealy Goosefoot also has potential for dye production, making it a useful plant for both food and craft purposes.

Quick answers

What is Mealy Goosefoot?

Mealy Goosefoot, scientifically known as Chenopodium incanum, is an annual forb or herb that thrives in a variety of soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils, particularly in full sun conditions.

Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

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. 1

    What you'll need

    Seeds, small pots or garden space, potting mix, water.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring after the last frost when temperatures are mild.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Ensure containers have drainage holes.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Start seeds indoors about 4 weeks before the last frost, then transplant outdoors after danger of frost passes.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Keep soil consistently moist and provide full sun exposure. Monitor for pests like aphids.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize lightly every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune back plants in late summer to encourage new growth and prevent seed production.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting pest control, using heavy fertilizers, not providing enough sunlight.

VI

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
VII

Distribution

17 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across0 continents· 17 native
Broader regions
native:Alberta, Arizona, California, Colorado, Kansas, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Saskatchewan, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wyoming
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Chenopodium incanum (Mealy Goosefoot) — botanical photograph
Mealy Goosefoot (Chenopodium incanum)
XI

Explore further

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About this entry

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