SafePlants

Chenopodium incanum: Mealy Goosefoot

Chenopodium incanum, commonly known as mealy goosefoot, is an annual herb belonging to the Goosefoot Family (Chenopodiaceae). This plant is known for its mealy or farinose coating, particularly noticeable on young foliage. This characteristic gives the plant a somewhat fuzzy or powdery appearance.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is described as having a "mealy coating" on its leaves, which can be quite noticeable.

Considerations for Children

• This plant is described as having a "mealy coating" on its leaves, which can be quite noticeable.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Chenopodium incanum (S. Watson) A. Heller
• Common Names: Mealy Goosefoot, Nealy Goosefoot, Hoary Goosefoot
• Synonyms:
  • Chenopodium fremontii var. incanum
  • Chenopodium latifolium (Syn.: Rhagodia - Note that this is likely a typo and referring to a synonym of *Chenopodium latifolium*, not a synonym of *Chenopodium incanum*)
  • Chenopodium fremontii incanum
• Family: Chenopodiaceae (Goosefoot Family)
• Taxonomic Rank: Species, Variety (e.g., Chenopodium incanum var. elatum D.J.)

Distribution and Habitat

• Chenopodium incanum is native to North America.
• It is found in locations such as Oklahoma (OK) and New Mexico (NM).

Morphological Characteristics

• Growth Habit: Annual forb/herb (non-woody plant that is not a grass)
• Height: Typically grows to about 0.5 meters (1ft 8in), but can reach one to two meters tall.
• Stems: Often branching below, stems may have sections of beet-red color. They are described as ascending to erect, simple or much-branched from the base, and covered with a mealy powder.
• Leaves: Young leaves are typically more white-mealy than older leaves. The lower leaves may have a goosefoot shape, while the upper ones are linear. They can be alternate, bright green (often shiny on top), and sometimes slightly mealy underneath. Some leaves are rounded and asymmetrical. Some references describe the leaves as wider in the middle and tapering at the apex and petiole. Narrowleaf goosefoot leaves are described as mealy on the lower surface and greener above, 1/2 to 1 1/2 or 2 inches long, 1/12 to 1/3 inch wide.
• Flowers/Seed Pods: Small, ball-like flowers/seed pods present in both terminal and axillary panicles. The perianth consists of 5 green, mealy segments. The flowers are without petals and have yellow stamen.
• Aroma: The foliage is non-aromatic.

Ecological Role

• It is often described as a "prolific," implying a weedy nature.

Quirky Facts

• The name "goosefoot" comes from the resemblance of the leaves to a goose's foot.
• Some sources mention that Goosefoot plants with mealy leaves "rejoice in old manure heaps".

Life Cycle

• Flowers bloom from July to October.
• Seeds ripen from August to October.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The perianth of the flower is described as covered with glandular hairs.

Further Information

• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
• Discover Life
• Western New Mexico University Department of Natural Sciences