SafePlants

Smooth Goosefoot (Chenopodium subglabrum)

Smooth Goosefoot, scientifically known as Chenopodium subglabrum, is a rare annual plant belonging to the Goosefoot family (Chenopodiaceae). It is also referred to as Smooth Narrowleaf Goosefoot and Smooth Arid Goosefoot.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant produces seeds that are a food source for small rodents.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Chenopodium subglabrum (S. Watson) A. Nelson
• Family: Chenopodiaceae (Goosefoot Family)
• Genus: Chenopodium
• Species: subglabrum
• Synonyms: Chenopodium leptophyllum (Moq.) Nutt. ex S. Watson

Distribution and Habitat

• Smooth Goosefoot is restricted to North America.
• Its northern distribution limit includes Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba in Canada.
• It's also found in Montana, although some populations there may be extirpated.
• The plant grows on unstable sand dunes, riverbanks, and sand hills.
• It occupies an early-succession habitat.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Smooth Goosefoot is a shallow-rooted, erect annual plant.
• It typically grows to a height of 10 to 80 cm.
• It has ascending branched stems.
• The light green leaves are alternate.
• The black seed coat is almost smooth to finely striate, rugulose or pitted.

Ecological Role

• The plant colonizes active areas.
• Grazing, agriculture, and dune control measures threaten its survival.

Additional Resources

• COSEWIC assessment and update status report on the smooth goosefoot. Chenopodium subglabrum in Canada.
• Committee on the Status of Endangered Species at Risk Act. Recovery Strategy Series. Smooth Goosefoot. 2014. Recovery Strategy for the Smooth Goosefoot (Chenopodium subglabrum) in Canada.
• Encyclopedia of Life
• Discover Life
• TERMIUM (Government of Canada's terminology and linguistic data bank)