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IIIFolio · plant profile№ 62FDedible
Data provenancePermapeopleTreflePFAFPOWOreviewed 13 Oct 2026methodology → read

Chenopodium suecicum

Chenopodium suecicum
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Chenopodium suecicum (Chenopodium suecicum) — botanical photograph
Pl. 62FD — Chenopodium suecicum
Chenopodium suecicumChenopodium suecicumChenopodium suecicumChenopodium suecicumChenopodium suecicumChenopodium suecicumChenopodium suecicumChenopodium suecicumChenopodium suecicumChenopodium suecicumChenopodium suecicumChenopodium suecicumChenopodium suecicumChenopodium suecicum
I

Overview

Chenopodium suecicum, commonly known as Hungarian cornsalad or lamb's quarters, is an annual plant native to Hungary and Romania. It thrives in a variety of soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy clay soils, with a preference for a pH range of 6.5–7. This plant grows best in areas with moderate sunlight, making it adaptable to various garden settings. The leaves and seeds of C. suecicum are edible; the leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, while the seeds are typically used after being dried. Originally native to Hungary and Romania, this plant has been introduced into numerous regions including Algeria, Austria, Belarus, and Ukraine. Its adaptability allows it to grow in diverse environments, making it a versatile addition to gardens or wild areas. The leaves of C. suecicum have a distinctive light requirement, thriving in moderate sunlight with an intensity of 8/10. Given its annual nature, regular harvesting of both the leaves and seeds can be done throughout the growing season. This plant is hardy in temperate regions, making it suitable for gardens in similar climates. While not medicinal, C. suecicum offers culinary benefits and can enhance the diversity of a garden or wild area.

Quick answers

What is Chenopodium suecicum?

Chenopodium suecicum, commonly known as Hungarian cornsalad or lamb's quarters, is an annual plant native to Hungary and Romania. It thrives in a variety of soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy clay soils, with a preference for a pH range of 6.

Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Chenopodium suecicum thrives in light to medium soils and can tolerate heavy clay as well. It prefers moist conditions but is adaptable to various environments. The plant requires full sun or partial shade with a light intensity of 8/10. For cultivation, maintain consistent moisture levels and ensure the soil pH ranges between 6.5 and 7. Given its annual nature, regular harvesting of leaves and seeds can be done throughout the growing season. This plant is hardy in temperate regions, making it suitable for gardens in similar climates.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual
Soil pH
6.5–7
For first-time growers

How to grow Chenopodium suecicum for the first time

8steps

Start with simple soil and basic care for a successful first attempt at growing Chenopodium suecicum.

  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, or start seeds indoors a few weeks earlier.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use well-draining soil with a pH of 6.5–7. Ensure containers are at least 10 inches deep for good root growth.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Start seeds indoors in small pots, then transplant outdoors when the weather is warm and settled.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Keep soil consistently moist. Provide light shade if direct sun is too intense.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize lightly every few weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

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

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to fertilize, not providing enough light.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: The leaves and seeds of Chenopodium suecicum are edible. The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, while the seeds are typically used in cooking after being dried. Skip
Other uses:Dye
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

33 native · 36 introduced
Distribution across2 continents· 33 native· 36 introduced
Europe29 regions
native (13)AustriaBelarusFranceGermanyHungaryItalyNetherlandsPolandRomaniaRussiaSwitzerlandUkraineUnited Kingdom
introduced (16)AustriaBelarusDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyIcelandItalyNetherlandsNorwayPolandRussiaSwedenSwitzerlandUkraineUnited Kingdom
Africa2 regions
native (1)Algeria
introduced (1)Algeria
Broader regions
native:Altay, Amur, Baltic States, Buryatiya, Chita, Czechoslovakia, Irkutsk, Khabarovsk, Krasnoyarsk, Magadan, Primorye, Sakhalin, Tuva, Yakutskiya
introduced:Altay, Amur, Baltic States, Buryatiya, Chita, Czechoslovakia, Irkutsk, Khabarovsk, Krasnoyarsk, Magadan, Primorye, Sakhalin, Tuva, Yakutskiya
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Chenopodium suecicum (Chenopodium suecicum) — botanical photograph
Chenopodium suecicum (Chenopodium suecicum)
XI

Explore further

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