SafePlants

Chenopodium berlandieri

Chenopodium berlandieri is an annual herbaceous plant also known by several common names:

• Pitseed goosefoot
• Huauzontle
• Lamb's quarters

Considerations for Pets

• The plant has a strong unpleasant odor, which may be unappealing to some pets.

Considerations for Children

• The plant produces small parts, including seeds, that could be a choking hazard for young children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Chenopodiaceae (Goosefoot Family, now often included in Amaranthaceae)
• Genus: Chenopodium
• Species: berlandieri
• Synonyms: Mentions Chenopodium berlandieri subsp. zschakei (J.Murr) Zobel and varieties such as Chenopodium berlandieri var. boscianum and Chenopodium berlandieri var. macrocalycium.

Distribution and Habitat

The text mentions its presence in:

• Southern California
• North & Central America
• Observed in San Isidro
• Found in disturbed habitats

Morphological Characteristics

• Annual herbaceous plant, taprooted.
• Erect, with spreading stems at the base.
• Leaves are thin, membranous, dentate (but not lobed), broad, flat, palmately veined with wavy margins.
• Slender leafy spikes.
• The whole plant can grow over two feet tall.
• Small green balls with tiny yellow petals.
• Leaves are spade-shaped and notched a little.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The Common Sootywing butterfly (Pholisora catullus) lays its eggs on Pitseed Goosefoot.

Additional Information

• Pitseed goosefoot is considered a pseudocereal.
• There are Korean recipes using pitseed goosefoot.

Resources

• Dave's Garden is mentioned as a community for sharing gardening tips and ideas.
• Discover Life has a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Chenopodium berlandieri.
• Plant for a Future (PFAF): http://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Chenopodium+berlandieri