Chenopodium suecicum
Chenopodium suecicum
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. 62FD — Chenopodium suecicum
Chenopodium suecicumChenopodium suecicumChenopodium suecicumChenopodium suecicumChenopodium suecicumChenopodium suecicumChenopodium suecicumChenopodium suecicumChenopodium suecicumChenopodium suecicumChenopodium suecicumChenopodium suecicumChenopodium suecicumChenopodium suecicum
IOverview
Overview
Chenopodium suecicum, commonly known as Hungarian cornsalad or lamb's quarters, is an annual plant native to Hungary and Romania. It thrives in moist conditions with light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay soils, preferring a pH range of 6.5–7. The plant is edible, with both its leaves and seeds being used for culinary purposes. One distinctive feature of C. suecicum is its light requirement; it grows best in areas with moderate sunlight, making it adaptable to various garden settings. Its native range and ability to grow in diverse soil types make it a versatile addition to gardens or wild areas.
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 moist conditions with light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay soils, preferring a pH range of 6.5–7.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
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
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, or start seeds indoors a few weeks earlier.
- 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
Sowing or transplanting
Start seeds indoors in small pots, then transplant outdoors when the weather is warm and settled.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil consistently moist. Provide light shade if direct sun is too intense.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize lightly every few weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back plants in late summer to encourage new growth and prevent legginess.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to fertilize, not providing enough light.
VIEdible & utility
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
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe12 regions
native (12)AustriaBelarusFranceGermanyHungaryItalyNetherlandsPolandRomaniaRussiaSwitzerlandUnited Kingdom
Africa1 region
native (1)Algeria
Broader regions
native:Altay, Baltic States, Chita, Magadan, Sakhalin, Amur, Buryatiya, Czechoslovakia, Irkutsk, Khabarovsk, Krasnoyarsk, Primorye, Tuva
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 · 62fdd13d-0ff6-48af-a5b7-030507bd6e49
Decision aid
Choosing between Chenopodium suecicum 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.