Standley’s Goosefoot: A Rare Native Worth Knowing
If you’ve never heard of Standley’s goosefoot (Chenopodium standleyanum), you’re not alone. This unassuming annual forb isn’t likely to win any beauty contests, but it holds a special place in North America’s native plant heritage. Sometimes the most important plants aren’t the showiest ones – and Standley’s goosefoot is a perfect example of why every native species matters.
What Is Standley’s Goosefoot?
Standley’s goosefoot is a native annual forb – that’s plant-speak for a non-woody herbaceous plant that completes its entire life cycle in one growing season. As a member of the Chenopodium family, it’s related to more familiar plants like lamb’s quarters and quinoa, though you might not recognize the family resemblance at first glance.
This plant goes by its scientific name Chenopodium standleyanum, and while it may have other common names floating around, Standley’s goosefoot is the one that’s stuck. You might also encounter it listed under its botanical synonyms, including Chenopodium gigantospermum var. standleyanum or Chenopodium hybridum var. standleyanum in older references.
Where Does It Call Home?
Standley’s goosefoot is a true North American native, found naturally across both Canada and the lower 48 United States. Its range is impressively broad, spanning from coast to coast and covering states from Maine to Montana, Florida to Wyoming, and everywhere in between. You can find it in Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming – plus Ontario and Saskatchewan in Canada.
The Rarity Factor: Handle With Care
Here’s where things get serious. Despite its wide historical range, Standley’s goosefoot isn’t doing so well everywhere. In New Jersey, it’s listed as a rare species with an S2 status, meaning it’s imperiled in the state with only a few known populations. This rarity status is a red flag that reminds us why native plant conservation matters.
If you’re considering adding this plant to your garden, please – and we cannot stress this enough – only use responsibly sourced material. Never collect seeds or plants from wild populations, as this could harm already struggling communities. Instead, work with reputable native plant nurseries or conservation organizations that can provide ethically propagated material.
Garden Appeal (Or Lack Thereof)
Let’s be honest: Standley’s goosefoot isn’t going to be the star of your flower border. As an annual forb without significant woody tissue, it’s more weedy wildflower than garden showstopper. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers that won’t have your neighbors asking for growing tips.
But here’s the thing – not every plant needs to be Instagram-worthy to earn its place in the landscape. Standley’s goosefoot brings ecological value that goes far beyond aesthetic appeal. It’s part of the complex web of native plants that support local ecosystems, even if we don’t fully understand all its relationships yet.
Where and How to Grow It
Since specific growing information for Standley’s goosefoot is limited (it’s not exactly a mainstream garden plant), we can draw some educated conclusions based on its family characteristics and native habitat preferences.
Like many Chenopodium species, Standley’s goosefoot is likely adaptable to various soil conditions and can probably handle some drought once established. As an annual, it will complete its life cycle in one season, so you’ll need to allow it to self-seed or collect and replant seeds each year.
This plant is best suited for:
- Native plant restoration projects
- Conservation gardens focused on rare species
- Naturalized areas where ecological value trumps ornamental appeal
- Educational gardens highlighting regional biodiversity
The Bottom Line
Should you plant Standley’s goosefoot? If you’re passionate about native plant conservation and have access to responsibly sourced material, then yes – especially if you’re in an area where it historically grew. Just don’t expect it to become the focal point of your landscape design.
This little plant represents something bigger than itself: the importance of preserving our native botanical heritage, even when it comes in humble packages. Sometimes the most meaningful gardening choices aren’t about creating beauty – they’re about creating habitat, preserving genetic diversity, and maintaining the ecological connections that keep our natural world functioning.
If Standley’s goosefoot doesn’t fit your garden vision, there are plenty of other native plants with more obvious ornamental appeal. But if you have space for a conservation corner or want to support local biodiversity in a quiet way, this rare native might just be the perfect addition to your plant palette.
