SafePlants

Slimleaf Goosefoot

This page provides information about the Slimleaf Goosefoot, a plant with various names and characteristics. Please read on to learn more.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant is a forb/herb and may present a risk to grazing animals if consumed in large quantities.

Considerations for Children

• The plant is noted to have greenish flowers and may attract children's attention.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Chenopodium pallescens Standl.
• Common Names: Slimleaf Goosefoot, Narrowleaf Lambsquarters, Narrowleaf Goosefoot, Slimleaf Lambsquarters.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Chenopodiaceae (Goosefoot Family) / Amaranthaceae (Chenopodiaceae)
• Genus: Chenopodium
• Synonyms and Alternative Names:
  • Chenopodium leptophyllum (Moq.) Nutt. ex S. Watson
  • Chenopodium desiccatum A. Nelson
  • Chenopodium pratericola Rydb.

Distribution and Habitat

• Found in regions like California (Chualar), Arkansas (AR), Oklahoma (OK), and New Mexico (NM).
• Widespread on disturbed areas.

Morphological Characteristics

• Life Form: Annual forb/herb
• Leaves: Alternate, narrow, slightly lobed, nonaromatic. Petiole to 0.5 cm, blade linear.
• Flowers: Greenish
• Stems: Erect or occasionally semierect, usually branching from the base, 1-4 dm, farinose to densely farinose.

Ecological Role

• May be a food source for some animals, such as the Eremophila alpestris (Horned Lark).
• The most frequent plant found alongside Jim Hill mustard, big sagebrush and cryptogams.

Quirky Facts

• The town of Chualar in California is named after a Native American term for a goosefoot.
• Chenopodium vulvaria is referred to as Haisusavikka Stinking Goosefoot Stinkmlla.

Further Information

• Discover Life
• Dave's Garden
• Oregon Flora Project
• ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 20616
• BSBI List of British & Irish Vascular Plants