Species Leafy Goosefoot
red fruits with burgundy-green leaves on pink-red stems

Leafy Goosefoot

Blitum virgatum

Leafy Goosefoot (Blitum virgatum) is a prostrate annual herb, native to temperate Europe and Asia. It is easily recognized by its small pinkish-white flowers with four petals, and its distinctive leaves that have a sickle-shaped lower edge. The leaves are divided into three pointed divisions and are topped off with a long, heart-shaped stem. Its fruits are tiny, yellowish-brown seeds that are embraced by a small pointed cucumber-like calyx. Its membranous foliage is light green in color. Blooming best in sunny areas, this plant is tolerant of most soils but grows best in moist, well-drained ones. In the right conditions, Leafy Goosefoot makes a great addition to any garden.

Watering:

Frequent

Hardiness Zone:

Flowers:

Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Fruits:

red Fruits Ready In Fall

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow

Growth Rate:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Strawberry-Blite is an easy to care for plant, however it does require regularly scheduled watering. To maintain optimal health, ensure that the soil is kept consistently moist but not saturated. Water the plant every 1-2 days during the growing season and 1-2 times a week in the winter, or whenever the soil appears dry. If the soil is very sandy, increase watering frequency. Avoid overwatering, as this can damage the plant.

sunlight

Strawberry-Blite, a short-lived perennial, is native to many parts of Europe and North America. This plant species needs sunny conditions for successful growth and flowering. It needs at least 6 to 8 hours of full sunlight per day and thrives in temperatures between 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit. It is drought tolerant and can be grown in either full sun or part shade. The best time for exposure to sunlight is between mid-morning and mid-afternoon. This is when the plant receives the most direct sunlight and is ideal for photosynthesis. It is important to note that direct sunlight should be limited during the hottest part of the day. Warming temperatures can cause wilting and other serious damage to the plant.

pruning

It is best to prune strawberry-blite plants in the summer after the berries have set and ripened. Pruning should be done when the plant is actively growing. This will help promote new growth and help to keep the plants in proper shape. Care should be taken to not over-prune the plant as too much pruning can result in reduced carbohydrate reserves and a weaker plant. Remove flower stems, dead or damaged stems, and any stems that appear to become diseased. Remove older stems to let in new growth. Prune stems at the soil level or just above a healthy bud to reduce the total coverage of the plant and allow airflow which may reduce the chances of fungal infections.

⚠️ 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.