Chilean Wormseed: An Understated Annual with a Quirky Past
Meet Chilean wormseed (Dysphania chilensis), a humble little plant that might not win any beauty contests but certainly has an interesting story to tell. This unassuming annual has made quite the journey from its South American homeland to establish itself in parts of California and Oregon. Whether you’re curious about this botanical wanderer or wondering if it deserves a spot in your garden, let’s dive into what makes Chilean wormseed tick.
What Exactly Is Chilean Wormseed?
Chilean wormseed goes by the botanical name Dysphania chilensis, though you might occasionally see it referenced by its old scientific name, Chenopodium chilense. This little forb – that’s garden-speak for a non-woody plant – belongs to the same family as spinach and quinoa. As an annual, it completes its entire life cycle in just one growing season, making it a here-today-gone-tomorrow kind of plant.
The plant itself is pretty modest in appearance, with small triangular to diamond-shaped leaves and tiny greenish flowers that cluster together in dense, somewhat unremarkable arrangements. It’s definitely more interesting than Instagram-worthy.
Where Does It Call Home?
Originally from South America – particularly Chile and Argentina, hence the name – Chilean wormseed has established itself as a naturalized resident in California and Oregon. It’s what botanists call a spontaneous reproducer, meaning it’s made itself quite comfortable in these new digs without any help from humans.
Should You Grow Chilean Wormseed?
Here’s the million-dollar question: is Chilean wormseed right for your garden? The honest answer is… it depends on what you’re looking for.
The Case Against
- Limited ornamental value – it’s not going to be the star of your flower bed
- Minimal pollinator appeal since its flowers are wind-pollinated
- As a non-native species, it doesn’t support local ecosystems as effectively as native plants
- Can self-seed prolifically, potentially spreading beyond where you want it
The Case For
- Extremely low-maintenance once established
- Tolerates poor soil conditions that might challenge other plants
- Interesting for botanical collections or wild garden settings
- Drought-tolerant and undemanding
Growing Conditions and Care
If you do decide to give Chilean wormseed a try, you’ll find it refreshingly easy to please. This little survivor thrives in full sun and actually prefers poor to average soils – fancy fertilizers need not apply. It’s quite drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for water-wise gardens.
Based on its current distribution, Chilean wormseed likely grows best in USDA hardiness zones 8-10, though as an annual, it’s more about growing season length than winter hardiness.
Planting and Care Tips
- Direct seed in spring after the last frost date
- Barely cover seeds with soil – they need light to germinate
- Water lightly until established, then let nature take the wheel
- No fertilization needed – this plant actually prefers lean conditions
- Be prepared for self-seeding in subsequent years
Better Native Alternatives
While Chilean wormseed isn’t necessarily problematic, native plant enthusiasts might prefer species that better support local wildlife and ecosystems. Consider these native alternatives that offer similar low-maintenance appeal:
- Four o’clock (Mirabilis multiflora) – Native annual with more showy flowers
- Desert goosefoot (Chenopodium desertorum) – A native relative with similar growing requirements
- Red goosefoot (Oxybasis rubra) – Another native option in the same plant family
The Bottom Line
Chilean wormseed is one of those plants that’s more curious than gorgeous, more interesting than essential. If you’re building a collection of unusual annuals or creating a wild garden where self-seeding plants are welcome, it might find a happy home with you. However, if you’re looking to support local pollinators and wildlife, you’ll probably get more bang for your buck with native alternatives.
Whatever you decide, remember that gardening is about creating spaces that bring you joy. Whether that’s a perfectly curated native plant paradise or an eclectic collection of botanical oddities from around the world, the choice is yours to make.
