SafePlants

Pitseed Goosefoot (Chenopodium berlandieri)

Chenopodium berlandieri, commonly known as pitseed goosefoot, huauzontle, and lamb's quarters, is an annual herbaceous plant with historical uses as an edible seed. It is also found in home gardens, which is why we created this page to help educate pet and child owners about it.

Considerations for Pets

• Small Parts: As an annual herbaceous plant, pitseed goosefoot produces seeds, which could be a choking hazard for pets if ingested in large quantities.
• Wavy margins leaves The plant has broad flat, palmately veined leaves with wavy margins that some animals might find tempting to chew.
• Unpleasant odor: This plant is known to have a stronger unpleasant odor.

Considerations for Children

• Small Parts: As an annual herbaceous plant, pitseed goosefoot produces seeds, which could be a choking hazard for children if ingested.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Chenopodium berlandieri Moq.
• Family: Chenopodiaceae (also sometimes classified under Amaranthaceae).
• Common Names: Pitseed goosefoot, huauzontle, lamb's quarters, Southern Huauzontle, Nuttall's goosefoot, Bush's goosefoot, Zschack's goosefoot, Stinkweed.
• Synonyms: Chenopodium berlandieri subsp. zschakei (J.Murr) Zobel
• Taxonomic Rank: Subspecies (e.g., Chenopodium berlandieri var. boscianum, Chenopodium berlandieri var. macrocalycium, Chenopodium berlandieri subsp. zschakei (J.Murr) Zobel).

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to North and Central America.
• Observed in locations such as Southern California.
• Often found in disturbed habitats.

Morphological Characteristics

• Annual herbaceous plant.
• Like C. album but with thin membranous leaves.
• Has a stronger unpleasant odor.
• Slender leafy spikes.
• Leaves are dentate (toothed) but not lobed.
• Leaves are spade-shaped and notched.
• Can grow to over two feet tall.
• Broad, flat, palmately veined leaves with wavy margins.

Ecological Role

• Can be a lush native annual herb.
• Goosefoot harvests have been observed in Southern California.

Interactions with Other Organisms

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

Quirky Facts

• Pitseed Goosefoot is considered a pseudocereal and has been used in Korean recipes.
• Some varieties are referred to as 'Red Aztec Spinach.'

Further Information

• Discover Life: Provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Chenopodium berlandieri.
• Dave's Garden: A community forum for sharing gardening tips and ideas.
• Plants For A Future: http://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Chenopodium+berlandieri