Chenopodiastrum murale
nettle-leaved goosefoot
Europe, North Africa, and western Asia
SunFull Sun – Part Shade
Overview
Chenopodiastrum murale is an annual growing 6-32 inches (15-80 cm) tall, with erect to spreading, ridged stems that branch from the base. The leaves are 1-3 inches (2.5-8 cm) long, diamond-shaped to triangular, bright green on both sides, and edged with coarse, irregular, forward-pointing teeth. Tiny green flowers without petals are crowded into dense, branched clusters in the leaf axils and stem tips, appearing over much of the year in mild climates. Each flower ripens to a small, flattened seed enclosed in the dull green calyx. The plant grows quickly from seed on disturbed, nitrogen-rich ground such as gardens, field edges, barnyards, roadsides, and waste places. Originally from Europe and the Mediterranean, it has spread as a weed through much of the temperate and subtropical world. The foliage can accumulate nitrates and oxalates, which can harm livestock that graze large amounts. A limitation, and the reason it is treated as a weed, is its fast growth and heavy seed production on cultivated and fertile soils.
Native Range
Chenopodiastrum murale, formerly Chenopodium murale, is native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, centred on the Mediterranean. It has naturalised as a weed across North and South America, Australia, southern Africa, and much of Asia.Suggested Uses
Chenopodiastrum murale is treated as a weed rather than a garden plant and is removed from cultivated beds and crops. The young leaves have been eaten as a cooked green in some regions, though the plant can accumulate nitrates and oxalates. In gardens it mainly serves as seed and forage for ground-feeding birds before it is cleared.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 2'8"
Width/Spread6" - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Tiny green flowers appear in dense clusters over a long season, much of the year in mild climates and spring to autumn in colder areas. The flowers lack petals and ripen quickly into seed. A single plant can flower and seed within a few weeks of germinating.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Chenopodiastrum murale is an annual weed of disturbed, fertile ground and is rarely planted on purpose. It germinates readily on nitrogen-rich, cultivated soil in full sun to light shade and grows fast to flowering. The plant tolerates poor and compacted soils but reaches its largest size on rich garden and farm ground. It needs no care and self-sows heavily where allowed to seed. Removing plants before they set seed is the main way to limit their spread.Pruning
No pruning is needed. Plants are pulled or hoed before they flower and set seed to limit spread. Seedlings are easiest to remove when young.⚠️ Toxicity Warning
Toxic to petsPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Days to Maturity
40–70 days