SafePlants

Crested Goosefoot

Chenopodium cristatum, also known as Crested Goosefoot or Crested Crumbweed, is an annual forb/herb.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant has been found to contain a cyanogenetic glucoside, though the impact on pets is not specified in the provided text.

Considerations for Children

• The plant is described as a weed that is considered useless.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Chenopodium cristatum (F. Muell.) F. Muell.
• Synonyms:
  • Dysphania cristata (F. Muell.) Mosyakin & Clemants (This is considered the accepted name by some sources)
  • Blitum cristatum F.
• Family: Amaranthaceae (Goosefoot Family, formerly Chenopodiaceae)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Australia.
• Rare visitor to North America, previously recorded in waste areas.
• Found in bare or un-cultivated ground.

Morphology and Growth Habits

• Annual plant, growing up to 0.6 meters (2 feet) tall.
• Flowers from July to October; seeds ripen from August to October.
• Leaves are shaped like a goose foot, characteristic of many plants in the Goosefoot family.
• Perianth segments are about 1 mm long, incurved, boat-shaped, crested, and fused near the base.

Ecological Role

• Can be considered a weed in some areas.
• Eaten by sheep in New South Wales.
• May invade areas alongside other invasive species.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The plant is mentioned as being eaten by sheep.
• May grow in areas invaded by Crested Wheat Grass and White Sweetclover.

Resources and Further Information

• The Plant List
• ALA (Atlas of Living Australia)
• ToL (Tree of Life Web Project)
• BHL (Biodiversity Heritage Library)
• Discover Life