Chenopodium
(Pro - nun - see - ashun )
Chenopodium Species and Varietals
The genus Chenopodium is a member of the plant family Amaranthaceae, and includes 132 species. The best growing zones for Chenopodium vary somewhat depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Chenopodium album (Pigweed, Lamb's Quarters, White Goosefoot, Wild Spinach, Fat-Hen) These plants grow best in zones 1-24 as an annual. Leaves are pale green above, whitish underneath, and can be cooked as with Spinach. These plants are extensively cultivated and consumed in northern India and Nepal. This species is native to Europe and needs support to stay upright as it grows and flowers. |
Chenopodium berlandieri (Pitseed Goosefoot, Lambsquarters, Huauzontle) This annual herbaceous species is native to North America, and quickly forms a plant that reaches just under 10 feet tall. Although these plants are widely considered to be weeds, they are intentionally cultivated in some areas of the world as a food crop. It is grown for its use as a pseudocereal, a leaf vegetable, and for its broccoli-like flowering shoots. Varieties include 'Huauzontle', 'Chia', and 'Quelite'. |
Chenopodium candolleanum (Rhagodia candolleana) (Seaberry Saltbush) This species forms a shrub that reaches 6.5 feet tall at maturity, and has somewhat succulent foliage. Small white flowers bloom in terminal racemes and are followed by cranberry-colored flattened fruits. These shrubs reach about 3.5 feet tall and are drought-tolerant. |
Chenopodium curvispicatum (Cottony Saltbush, Cottony Goosefoot) This species is native to Australia, where they grow well in arid understory environments. These shrubs have a straggly, spreading growth habit and greenish-silver foliage. Berries produced are red, and turn orange as they dry on the bush. Cottony Saltbush grows to reach a little under three and a half feet tall at maturity. |
Chenopodium cycloides (Sandhill Goosefoot) This native of the south-central United States forms an annual herbaceous plant that reaches a little over two feet tall when mature. Foliage is sometimes fleshy, and is typically blue-green to silver-green in color. Stems are branching and blue-green with reddish stripes. |
Chenopodium detestans (New Zealand Fish Guts Plant) This endangered, annual, short-lived species takes a low-growing form and is native to New Zealand's south island. All plant parts have a fetid smell reminiscent of rotting fish guts. These plants form a deep taproot and above-ground prostrate branches that reach about 20 inches tall at maturity. |
Chenopodium fremontii (Fremont's Goosefoot) This species is native to western North America from Canada down through the western United States to Mexico. It is named for 19th century Western pioneer John C. Fremont. Powdery flowers bloom between June and October. Plants reach between 20 and 32 inches tall at maturity. |
Chenopodium littoreum (Hians Goosefoot, Gaping Goosefoot) Reaching up to 32 inches tall at maturity, these plants are native to |
Caring for Chenopodium
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 237, Chenopodium
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