Foetid goosefoot
Chenopodium incisum

Family: Amaranthaceae

What it is like

An annual herb. It grows 20-90 cm tall.

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

Where it is found

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

Countries/locations it is found in

Central America, Mexico, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The leaves are eaten raw or cooked. The seeds are ground into flour and used in bread and dumplings. Caution: It can contain saponins. These are poorly absorbed. The seeds should be soaked overnight then rinsed.

Edible parts

Leaves, seeds

How it is grown

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

Its other names

Local names

Epazote morado, Yerba del zorillo

Synonyms

Chenopodium ambrosioides var. graveolens Speg.; Chenopodium foetidum var. pumilum R. E. Fr.; Chenopodium graveolens Willd. [Illegitimate]; Chenopodium rigidum Lingelsh.; Dysphania graveolens Mosyakin & Clemants; and others