SafePlants

Fremont's Goosefoot (Chenopodium fremontii)

Chenopodium fremontii, commonly known as Fremont's goosefoot, is a flowering plant belonging to the amaranth family (Amaranthaceae).

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Chenopodium fremontii S. Watson
• Common Name: Fremont's goosefoot
• Family: Amaranthaceae (also referred to as Amaranth family or Pigweed family)
• Synonyms and related species mentioned: Pringle's Goosefoot, Chenopodium incanum, Chenopodium berlandieri, Chenopodium desiccatum, Chenopodium album
• Taxonomic Rank: Species, also mentioned as having subspecies "Chenopodium fremontii S. Watson var. fremontii"

Distribution and Habitat

Observed on sandy beaches along the Columbia River shore at the Dalles Riverside Park. Widespread on disturbed areas. Observed in Deep Creek Mountains, N of Red Cedar Creek. Native to North America. A large plant that grows on slopes.

Morphological Characteristics

• An annual plant, growing up to 0.6 meters (2 feet) in height.
• It is a forb/herb (a non-woody plant that is not a grass).
• Typically branched and 10-50cm tall.

Ecological Role

Commonly found in disturbed areas. Mentioned alongside coyote tobacco (Nicotiana attenuata) in the context of recovery trajectories.

Reproduction

Flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female parts). Seeds ripen from September to November.

Traditional Uses

• Edible plant with photos and uses profiled in Sonoran Desert Food Plants and Southern.
• Historically foraged as a wild plant and utilized by many Native American tribes.

Allergy Information

Fremont's goosefoot allergy information and allergy tests are available.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Mentioned alongside coyote tobacco (Nicotiana attenuata) in the context of recovery trajectories.

Further Information

• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database.
• Flora of North America reference.
• ABMI species summary for Chenopodium fremontii.
• www.niiss.org species profile.