Stinking Goosefoot Arrach - Wormseed
Chenopodium vulvaria
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Pl. 8EB6 — Chenopodium vulvaria
Chenopodium vulvariaChenopodium vulvariaChenopodium vulvariaChenopodium vulvariaChenopodium vulvariaChenopodium vulvariaChenopodium vulvariaChenopodium vulvariaChenopodium vulvariaChenopodium vulvariaChenopodium vulvariaChenopodium vulvariaChenopodium vulvariaChenopodium vulvaria
IOverview
Overview
Stinking Goosefoot Arrach, also known as Wormseed (Chenopodium vulvaria), is an annual herb native to regions including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, and Austria. It thrives in full sun and moist conditions, adapting to various soil types from light sandy to heavy clay. Native ranges extend across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. This plant is notable for its edible leaves and seeds, making it a useful addition to gardens or wild areas where it can grow up to 0.3 meters tall. Its distinctive feature lies in its strong odor, which some find unpleasant but contributes to its unique character.
Quick answers
What is Stinking Goosefoot Arrach - Wormseed?
Stinking Goosefoot Arrach, also known as Wormseed (Chenopodium vulvaria), is an annual herb native to regions including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, and Austria. It thrives in full sun and moist conditions, adapting to various soil types from light sandy to heavy clay.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Stinking Goosefoot Arrach thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 4-8 and grows to a height of about 0.3 meters as an annual plant. For propagation, sow seeds directly into the garden bed after all danger of frost has passed. This plant is native to regions including Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, and Austria, making it adaptable to temperate climates. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist for best growth and harvest its edible leaves and seeds.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Annual
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Stinking Goosefoot Arrach - Wormseed for the first time
8steps
Start with easy-to-grow Stinking Goosefoot Arrach for a beginner-friendly gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, small pots or direct garden space, potting soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, or start seeds indoors a month before planting outdoors.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay. Ensure containers are at least 30 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1-2 cm deep in the garden or start them indoors and transplant when they have two true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist, water regularly but avoid overwatering. Place in full sun.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water as needed to keep soil consistently moist. Fertilize lightly with compost every few months.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune occasionally to encourage bushy growth and remove any yellowing leaves.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy shade, neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeed
Edible uses: The Stinking Goosefoot Arrach, or Wormseed, is edible and its leaves and seeds can be consumed. The leaves are typically eaten fresh in salads or cooked as a vegetable. Seeds can be harvested and ground into flour for baking. Both parts are often enjoyed raw but can also be dried and stored for later use.
Other uses:DyeFragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe13 regions
native (13)AlbaniaAustriaBelgiumCyprusFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyPortugalRussiaSpainUkraine
Asia3 regions
native (3)AfghanistanIranIraq
Africa4 regions
native (4)AlgeriaChadLibyaMorocco
Broader regions
native:Altay, Czechoslovakia, East Aegean Is., Kirgizstan, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 8eb6fa78-bb9e-4d37-a287-4055292624d8
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