Species Watson's Goosefoot
green leaves with brown stems

Watson's Goosefoot

Chenopodium watsonii

Also Known As - Dakota Stinking Goosefoot
Watson's Goosefoot (Chenopodium watsonii) is an annual plant found throughout much of the southwestern United States and into northern Mexico. It is typically found in disturbed areas, such as cultivated fields, edges of roads, and abandoned lots. The plant has a smooth stem and its leaves are narrow and sharply pointed. Its clusters of tiny green flowers are inconspicuous, but it is recognizable by its small, reddish-brown seed pods. Watson's Goosefoot is edible and can be cooked in a variety of dishes, but its leaves have a sour, pungent flavor. It is a valuable source of nutrients in desert regions.

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Green/Brown Flowers

Sun:

Sun, Partial Shade

Soil:

Clay, Sand

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,gray,gray

Growth Rate:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

watering

Watson's Goosefoot needs moderate levels of watering. Water the soil deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Aim for about 1 inch (2.5cm) of water once per week if there has been no rain. The frequency of watering can be increased in hot and dry weather or if the plant is in full sun.

sunlight

Watson's Goosefoot (Chenopodium watsonii) grows best in full sun, receiving 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. It prefers bright light throughout the day but can tolerate some shade in the afternoon during the hottest times of the year. During the cooler months, the plant can handle an extended period of direct sunlight, up to 10 hours. It is well suited to flower beds, rockeries, and other sunny locations as well as containers.

pruning

Pruning for Watson's Goosefoot (Chenopodium watsonii) should be done in early spring. Pruning should include removal of any dead or damaged branches, thinning out the interior of the shrub to allow light and air into the center, and removing any subsequent suckers or shoots growing from the ground. To encourage bushy growth, lightly shear the sides of the shrub. Additionally, trim off any flowers or seed heads at the end of the season.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Chenopodium watsonii typically starts flowering in July.