SafePlants

Goosefoot: An Overview

The term "goosefoot" generally refers to plants in the genus Chenopodium, known for leaves resembling a goose's foot. The goosefoot family, formerly known as Chenopodiaceae, includes a diverse range of plants, some edible, many common weeds, and some with medicinal uses.

Considerations for Pets

• Some goosefoot species are weedy plants that produce seeds. If you find a weedy plant lacking obvious flowers, and forming globby or poky seeds along the stems, it is likely you have a species from this family.

Scientific Classification

• Genus: Chenopodium
• Family: Formerly Chenopodiaceae (now often included within Amaranthaceae)
• Note: The traditional Goosefoot family included about 100 genera and 1,500 species. However, based on genetic evidence, taxonomists have reclassified the family.

Common Names

• Goosefoot
• Lamb's Quarters
• Pigweed
• Fat-hen

Synonyms and Related Species

• Blitum californicum (California Goosefoot)
• Chenopodium quinoa (Quinoa)
• Chenopodium album (Lamb's Quarters/Pigweed)
• Chenopodium bonus Henricus (Good King Henry)
• Chenopodium capitatum
• Chenopodium gigantium

Distribution and Habitat

• Goosefoot species are found in temperate regions worldwide.
• Lamb's quarters (C. album) is a common weedy species found throughout the world.
• Nettleleaf goosefoot is found throughout California to an elevation of 5900 feet (1800 m).

Ecological Role

• Many goosefoot species are considered weeds.
• Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), native to the Andean region of South America, is economically significant and cultivated for its seeds.

Morphological Characteristics

• Leaves of Chenopodium species are often divided and resemble the shape of a goose's foot.
• Leaves of Chenopodium species can be 2.5 to 8 cm long, stalked, smooth, and covered with .
• Smooth Goosefoot is a shallow-rooted, erect annual measuring 20 to 80 cm in height, with ascending branched stems.
• Flowers are often small and greenish.

Quirky Facts

• The city of Chualar in California is named after a Native American term for a goosefoot plant abundant in the region, likely the California goosefoot (Blitum californicum).
• The name Chenopodium comes from the Latin for "goose foot," describing the shape of the leaves.
• Goosefoot, aka lamb's quarters, wild spinach, and pigweed, is said to be one of the most popular among wild edible plants.