Oak Leaf Goosefoot
Chenopodium glaucum
To support our efforts please browse our store (books with health benefits, etc.).
The species within genus Chenopodium are difficult to distinguish between. They often include several varieties whose identification usually requires the use of a microscope. One of the important distinguishing characters is the texture of the seed-coat. Oak-leaved goosefoot has gained its name from the shape of its leaves which resemble that of many oaks. Oak-leaved goosefoot is an annual that flourishes in nitrogen-rich soil.
Distinguishing Features
The specific epithet glaucum originates from the bluish-green underside of the leaves, which is caused by a dense covering of hairs. The stem is hairless and can be green or red-striped. Chenopodium glaucum is an annual.
Flowers
The flower has individual floral spikes that are up to 4cm long; there are several small flowers per cluster. Some flowers may have pedicels up to 0.5 mm. long. Each mature flower is about 2 mm. across, consisting of 3-5 greenish sepals, 3-5 stamens, and a pistil with a pair of styles; there are no petals. The sepals are lanceolate to ovate, bluntly tipped, and glabrous. The stamens protrude outward with yellow anthers. It blooms from June to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October.
Leaves
The leaves are simple (lobed or unlobed nut not separated into leaflets). They are alternate and there is one leaf per node along the stem. The edge of the leaf blade has teeth. The petioles are up to 2cm. long; light green to yellowish red, and glabrous. The under part of the leaves are farinose (covered with fine granular or mealy coating).
Height
This plant grows anywhere between 7 and 40 cm in height.
Habitat
Oak-leaved Goosefoot grows anywhere in which the soil is nitrogen-rich. It may appear in gardens, on manure heaps, or in waste areas.
Edible Parts
The leaves are edible in small quantities and the seeds can also be consumed but only if they are soaked in water overnight to remove the saponins.
Other Name
Oak Leaved Goosefoot.
Similar Plants
Chenopodium album.
Winter Survival Food Handbook
Types of Wild Food
Now available! Beginner's Guide to Safely Foraging for Wild Mushrooms
