SafePlants

Oak Leaf Goosefoot (Chenopodium glaucum)

Oak Leaf Goosefoot, also known as Oak-leaved Goosefoot or Oakleaf Goose Foot, is an annual plant with several notable characteristics. It is sometimes referred to as "oakleaf goosefoot" with various hyphenation styles. This plant is also identified by the synonyms Oxybasis glauca and Blitum californicum.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Chenopodium glaucum L.
• Common Names: Oak Leaf Goosefoot, Oak-leaved Goosefoot, Oakleaf Goose Foot
• Family: Amaranthaceae (formerly Chenopodiaceae, Goosefoot Family)
• Synonyms: Oxybasis glauca, Blitum californicum

Considerations for Pets

• The plant has spikes of greenish flowers.
• The leaves are white and hairy on the underside.
• It is a weedy plant, and is likely to be encountered in parks and yards.

Distribution and Habitat

• Originally a European plant.
• Now common as a weed in North America.
• The town of Chualar in California is named after a Native American term for a goosefoot abundant in that region, possibly Blitum californicum.

Morphological Characteristics

• Annual plant.
• Grows to about 12 inches in diameter when mature.
• Has spikes of greenish flowers.
• Leaves are green and smooth above but densely mealy on the underside.
• Leaves are usually lobed and broadest toward the base.
• Stems are erect to prostrate, branched from the base, 0.5-2.5(-4) dm, farinose.
• Leaves nonaromatic petiole to 1 cm blade lanceolate to oblong.

Ecological Role

• Commonly found as a weed.

Quirky Facts

• Oak Leaf Goosefoot is considered a wild, edible, and nutritious food.

External Resources

• USDA PLANTS Database: Chenopodium glaucum L.