Manyseed goosefoot (Chenopodium polyspermum)
Other names Many-seeded goosefoot, all-seed
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Annual
- Exposure
- Full sun
Cultivation
An easily grown plant, succeeding in most soils but disliking shade.
Propagation
Seed - sow spring in situ. Most of the seed usually germinates within a few days of sowing.
Edible uses
Leaves - cooked and used like spinach. The raw leaves should only be eaten in small quantities, see the notes above on toxicity. Seed - ground into a powder and added to wheat flour or other cereals in making bread etc. It is best to soak the seed overnight and rinse it thoroughly before use. Small and quite fiddly to use.
Material uses
Gold/green dyes can be obtained from the whole plant.
Habitat
Waste places and cultivated ground.
Native range
Most of Europe, including Britain, eastwards to Asia.