Over's goosefoot
Chenopodium overi
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. EDCA — Chenopodium overi
Chenopodium overiChenopodium overiChenopodium overiChenopodium overiChenopodium overiChenopodium overiChenopodium overiChenopodium overiChenopodium overiChenopodium overiChenopodium overiChenopodium overiChenopodium overiChenopodium overi
IOverview
Overview
Over's goosefoot, scientifically known as Chenopodium overi, is an annual plant native to the western United States, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming. This light-loving plant thrives in moist conditions and can be found growing in various soil types—light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay)—with a maximum height of 0.8 meters. Its edible parts include the fruit, leaves, and seeds, making it a valuable resource for those interested in foraging or gardening. One distinctive feature is its adaptability to diverse environments across its native range.
Quick answers
What is Over's goosefoot?
Over's goosefoot, scientifically known as Chenopodium overi, is an annual plant native to the western United States, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Over's goosefoot thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows to a height of 0.8 meters and is an annual plant. Propagate it through seeds for edible leaves, fruit, and seeds. This plant is native to several western U.S. states including Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming, making it hardy in temperate regions.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Mature size
0.8 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Over's goosefoot for the first time
7steps
Start with Over's goosefoot to gain confidence in your gardening skills.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, a small trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant seeds after the last frost in spring.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with full sun. Ensure soil is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) and moist.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 inches deep in rows 18-24 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 6-9 inches apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist and protect from extreme heat with light mulch.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Remove weeds by hand to avoid damaging roots.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune occasionally to encourage bushy growth. Harvest leaves and seeds as needed.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeavesSeed
Edible uses: Over's goosefoot is edible and its leaves, seeds, and fruit can be consumed. The leaves are often eaten raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable. Seeds can be harvested and ground into flour for baking, while the fruit is typically used fresh or dried for various culinary applications.
Other uses:Dye
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
10 native · 2 introduced
Distribution
10 native · 2 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 10 native· 2 introduced
Broader regions
native:Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming
introduced:British Columbia, Washington
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 · edca3dfc-4aff-4807-81ea-3b37e7e3fe62
Decision aid
Choosing between Over's 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.