Chenopodium incisum

Poir.

Foetid goosefoot

AmaranthaceaeLeavesSeeds/NutsPotential hazards — see below
Caution — Parts of this plant may be toxic or require specific preparation. Verify with multiple sources before consuming.
Chenopodium incisum
iNaturalist · cc-by-nc
(c) Kat, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Chenopodium incisum
iNaturalist · cc-by-nc
(c) Kat, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Chenopodium incisum
iNaturalist · cc-by-nc
(c) Brandt Magic, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

What to Eat

Edible parts: Leaves, Seeds

The leaves are eaten raw or cooked. The seeds are ground into flour and used in bread and dumplings.

Known Hazards

It can contain saponins, which are poorly absorbed. The seeds should be soaked overnight then rinsed before use.

Where to Find It

It grows in temperate and subtropical places. In the tropics it grows up to 1,800 m above sea level.

Central America, Mexico, North America, USA,

Countries: Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti, Jamaica, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Puerto Rico, El Salvador, Trinidad & Tobago, United States, St Vincent

How to Identify

Foetid goosefoot is an annual herb in the Amaranthaceae family that grows 20-90 cm tall. It is found in temperate and subtropical regions, and in the tropics up to 1,800 m elevation.

How to Grow

Plants can be grown from seed. Seed germinate easily and quickly.

Notes

There are about 100-150-250 Chenopodium species. They are mostly in temperate regions. Also put in the family Chenopodiaceae.

Names & Synonyms

Epazote morado, Yerba del zorillo

Chenopodium ambrosioides var. graveolens Speg.Chenopodium foetidum var. pumilum R. E. Fr.Chenopodium graveolens Willd. [Illegitimate]Chenopodium rigidum Lingelsh.Dysphania graveolens Mosyakin & Clemantsand others
References (5)
  • Enum. pl. 1:290. 1809 (As Chenopodium graveolens)
  • Fern, K., 2012, Tropical Species Database http://theferns.info/tropical/ (As Chenopodium graveolens)
  • Piedra-Malagón, E. M. et al, 2022, Edible native plants of the Gulf of Mexico Province. Biodiversity Data Journal 10: e80565 p 8
  • Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/ (As Chenopodium graveolens)
  • van Wyk, B., 2005, Food Plants of the World. An illustrated guide. Timber press. p 129 (As Chenopodium graveolens)

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