Crowfoot
Coronopus squamatus
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Pl. 6383 — Coronopus squamatus
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IOverview
Overview
Crowfoot, scientifically known as Coronopus squamatus, is a hardy annual or biennial plant native to Sudan. It thrives in moist environments with light to medium soil types and can tolerate partial sun to full sun exposure. Known for its edible leaves and roots, this plant has been utilized both in culinary dishes and traditional medicine. One distinctive feature of Crowfoot is its ability to grow up to 0.3 meters tall, making it a notable presence in the landscape while also serving practical purposes through its various uses.
Quick answers
What is Crowfoot?
Crowfoot, scientifically known as Coronopus squamatus, is a hardy annual or biennial plant native to Sudan. It thrives in moist environments with light to medium soil types and can tolerate partial sun to full sun exposure.
What is Crowfoot used for?
Traditionally used for topical & skin, digestion. Each claim is evidence-rated — see Section II for full citations.
Best for
Top 2 evidence-ranked uses of Crowfoot
Clinicaluses · safety · chemistry · dosagemedicinal profile
IIBenefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources
Benefits & evidence
2 claims · 0 sources- Crowfoot has been traditionally used in Sudan for topical applications to support skin health, often prepared as a poultice or applied directly to the affected area.
The mechanism by which Crowfoot supports skin health is not fully characterised but may involve anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial compounds.
- Crowfoot has been traditionally used in Sudanese herbal medicine for digestive issues, often prepared as a decoction to soothe the stomach and aid digestion.
The mechanism by which Crowfoot supports digestion is not fully characterised but may involve compounds that interact with gut motility or reduce inflammation.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Crowfoot support blend
generaltea
AI returned a direct ingredient list; normalized into one draft blend for editorial review.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Crowfoot thrives in full to partial sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This annual or biennial plant grows up to 0.3 meters tall and is native to Sudan. Its edible parts include the leaves and roots. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently damp while providing ample sunlight. SKIP
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Annual, Biennial
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Crowfoot for the first time
8steps
Crowfoot is a simple annual plant to grow, perfect for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings of Crowfoot, a small trowel, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost, when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with full sun or partial shade. Prepare soil that is light, medium, or heavy by mixing in some compost.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 0.5 cm deep and about 10 cm apart. Alternatively, transplant seedlings to the same spacing.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests like aphids.
- 6
Ongoing care
Continue regular watering and thin plants if necessary. Keep an eye out for weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back any leggy growth to encourage bushy foliage. Harvest leaves as needed, but avoid taking more than a third of the plant at once.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in poor soil, and neglecting to thin out plants are common pitfalls.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesRoot
Edible uses: The leaves and roots of the Crowfoot (Coronopus squamatus) are edible. In Sudan, where it is native, the leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, while the roots are typically dug up and prepared by boiling before consumption. The plant thrives in moist conditions with partial sun to full sun exposure.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe16 regions
native (16)AlbaniaAustriaBelgiumBulgariaCyprusDenmarkFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryItalyNetherlandsPortugalRussiaSpainUkraine
Asia1 region
native (1)Iraq
Africa5 regions
native (5)AlgeriaEgyptLibyaMoroccoSudan
Broader regions
native:Czechoslovakia, Baltic States, East Aegean Is., Kriti, Lebanon-Syria
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family, common use cases, and growing requirements.
shared use cases
Different families, similar therapeutic role — good for comparing.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
XII
About this entry
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