Species Stinking Goosefoot
green leaves with white-green flowers and brown stems

Stinking Goosefoot

Chenopodium vulvaria

Stinking Goosefoot (Chenopodium vulvaria) is an annual herbaceous plant native to Europe, Asia, and North America. It is also commonly known as skunkweed due to its strong acrid odor. The plant typically grows to an average height of 30 to 80 cm tall, with smooth, erect stems and sparsely toothed, waxy green leaves. In the summer, clusters of small green flowers form atop the stems, followed by small pods filled with three-celled, green, nut-shaped seeds. Stinking Goosefoot has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb, tea, and even a dye. It is considered an invasive weed in some areas and is generally considered best to be avoided.

Watering:

Minimal

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,gray,gray

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Strict Goosefoot (Chenopodium strictum) should be watered regularly to ensure a healthy growth rate. It does best when kept evenly moist, but not soggy. Water frequently in the summer during dry periods or when the soil has dried out. During the winter months, water less frequently as the plant does not require as much. Generally, it is best to water once a week throughout the year. Be sure to check the soil moisture before watering and never allow the plant to sit in overly wet soil.

sunlight

Strict Goosefoot (Chenopodium strictum) is a herbaceous, annual plant that is native to the Mediterranean region and usually grows up to 1 meter in height. This plant species prefers full sun exposure. It enjoys bright, direct sunlight from about 8-12 hours a day for optimum growth and flowering. It’s best to keep Strict Goosefoot in a sunny location with midday shade for a few hours, to prevent the leaves from burning. Strict Goosefoot tends to bloom during the summer months between May and August when temperatures are hot and there is plenty of sunlight.

pruning

Strict Goosefoot (Chenopodium strictum) should be pruned in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Pruning should involve removing dead and damaged branches, along with those that cross over each other and rub against 1 another. The plant should also be thinned out so that the remaining stems are spaced out for better air circulation, and the center of the plant can be opened up to promote new growth. It is best to avoid pruning more than a third of the total plant material at any given time in order to not stress the plant.

⚠️ Perenual and its members cannot be held liable for any health issues that may arise from the information provided on the website or from using any of the plants found on the site. The information provided is intended to be used as general guidelines only.