SafePlants

Chenopodium incanum - Mealy Goosefoot

Chenopodium incanum, commonly known as Mealy Goosefoot, is an annual herb belonging to the Goosefoot family (Chenopodiaceae). This plant, native to North America, is noted for its mealy coating, especially on young foliage.

Considerations for Pets

• The plant is described as having a "mealy coating," which may be of interest to pets, especially those prone to nibbling on plants.

Considerations for Children

• The plant is described as having a "mealy coating," which may be of interest to children, especially those prone to touching plants.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Chenopodium incanum (S. Watson) A. Heller
• Common Names: Mealy Goosefoot, Nealy Goosefoot, Hoary Goosefoot
• Synonyms: Chenopodium fremontii var. incanum
• Family: Chenopodiaceae (Goosefoot Family)

Distribution and Habitat

• Chenopodium incanum is a native plant of North America.

Morphological Characteristics

• Growth Habit: Annual forb/herb (non-woody plant that is not a grass).
• Size: Typically grows to 0.5 meters (1ft 8in) in height.
• Foliage: Young leaves are characteristically white-mealy. Older leaves may be less mealy. Leaves can be rounded and sometimes asymmetrical. Lower leaves may have a goosefoot shape, while upper ones are linear.
• Stems: Stems may have sections of beet-red. Ascending to erect, simple or much-branched from base, covered with a mealy powder.
• Flowers: Small, ball-like flowers/seed pods arranged in both terminal and axillary panicles. The perianth consists of 5 green, mealy segments covered with glandular hairs. Flowers lack petals, have yellow stamen and are tiny.

Ecological Role

• The genus Chenopodium is described as "prolific" and "weedy."

Quirky Facts

• The plant's "mealy" or "farinose" coating, a distinguishing characteristic, is caused by a fly-like substance, giving the plant a unique texture and appearance.
• Good King Henry Goosefoot supposedly thrives in old manure heaps.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The plant may be sparsely or heavily coated in mealy powder, which could influence interactions with insects.

Additional Information

• Further information can be found at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Discover Life, and the Western New Mexico University Department of Natural Sciences.