Desert Goosefoot
Chenopodium pratericola
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Pl. D25C — Chenopodium pratericola
Chenopodium pratericolaChenopodium pratericolaChenopodium pratericolaChenopodium pratericolaChenopodium pratericolaChenopodium pratericolaChenopodium pratericolaChenopodium pratericolaChenopodium pratericolaChenopodium pratericolaChenopodium pratericolaChenopodium pratericolaChenopodium pratericolaChenopodium pratericola
IOverview
Overview
Desert Goosefoot (Chenopodium pratericola) is an annual forb or herb native to a wide range of North American states and provinces, including Alabama, Alaska, Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Connecticut, and others. This plant thrives in moist environments with light to medium soil types, often found in full sun. It can grow up to 1 meter tall and is known for its edible shoots, making it a valuable resource for those seeking wild edibles. Its adaptability to various habitats across the continent makes Desert Goosefoot a noteworthy species in botanical studies and native plant communities.
Quick answers
What is Desert Goosefoot?
Desert Goosefoot (Chenopodium pratericola) is an annual forb or herb native to a wide range of North American states and provinces, including Alabama, Alaska, Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Connecticut, and others.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Desert Goosefoot thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This annual plant grows up to 1 meter tall and is native to a wide range of North American regions, including parts of Mexico. It's easy to grow from seeds and can be harvested for its edible shoots. While hardiness information isn't provided, it generally does well in temperate regions.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Desert Goosefoot for the first time
8steps
Start with simple soil and full sun, and you'll have a good chance of success.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a container or garden bed, potting mix if using containers.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, or start seeds indoors about 4 weeks before planting out.
- 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
Direct sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, about 2 inches apart in rows. Transplant seedlings when they have two true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist and provide full sun exposure. Monitor for pests like aphids.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Fertilize lightly every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back after flowering to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from going to seed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting to prune, not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Shoots
Edible uses: The Desert Goosefoot is edible and its shoots can be harvested for consumption. Typically, the young shoots are prepared by either eating them raw or cooking them. SKIP
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mexico Central, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, Alabama
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · d25c5706-5acb-4cc7-b82c-03f63689fb13
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