Nettleleaf Goosefoot: What You Need to Know About This Widespread Annual
If you’ve ever noticed a small, weedy-looking plant with triangular leaves growing in disturbed soil around your neighborhood, chances are you’ve encountered nettleleaf goosefoot (Chenopodium murale). This annual forb has quite the story to tell – and whether you’ll want it in your garden depends on what kind of gardener you are.
What Is Nettleleaf Goosefoot?
Nettleleaf goosefoot, also known as aheahea goosefoot or pigweed, is an annual forb that lacks woody tissue above ground. As a member of the goosefoot family, it’s a vascular plant that completes its entire life cycle in one growing season. Don’t let its humble appearance fool you – this little plant has managed to spread across most of North America despite not being native to the continent.
Originally from Europe and western Asia, Chenopodium murale has established itself as a non-native species that reproduces spontaneously in the wild without human help. It’s now found throughout Canada, the lower 48 states, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Where Does It Grow?
This adaptable annual has an impressive geographic distribution, growing in states from Alabama to Wyoming, and provinces from New Brunswick to Saskatchewan. You’ll find it thriving in disturbed soils, vacant lots, roadsides, and other areas where the ground has been disturbed.
What Does Nettleleaf Goosefoot Look Like?
Nettleleaf goosefoot is a relatively small, unassuming plant with several distinctive characteristics:
- Triangular to diamond-shaped leaves that give it its nettleleaf common name
- Often reddish or pink-tinged stems
- Small, inconspicuous greenish flowers arranged in dense, branching clusters
- Low-growing habit typical of disturbed ground colonizers
Growing Conditions and Hardiness
One reason this plant has spread so successfully is its adaptability to various growing conditions:
- Light: Thrives in full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Prefers disturbed soils but adapts to various soil types
- Water: Drought tolerant once established
- Hardiness: As an annual, it can grow in USDA zones 3-11
Wetland Status
Interestingly, nettleleaf goosefoot shows different wetland preferences across regions. In most areas including the Arid West, Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain, Eastern Mountains and Piedmont, Great Plains, Hawaii, Midwest, Northcentral & Northeast, and Western Mountains regions, it has a Facultative Upland status – meaning it usually occurs in non-wetlands but may occasionally appear in wetlands. However, in the Caribbean region, it’s classified as Obligate Upland, almost never occurring in wetlands.
Should You Grow Nettleleaf Goosefoot?
Here’s where things get interesting. While nettleleaf goosefoot isn’t classified as invasive or noxious, its non-native status and weedy nature mean it’s not typically recommended for formal garden settings. However, there are some scenarios where it might fit:
Potential Benefits:
- Extremely low maintenance – essentially grows itself
- Provides some resources for small insects and pollinators
- Good for naturalized or wild garden areas
- Helps stabilize disturbed soil
Consider Native Alternatives Instead:
Since nettleleaf goosefoot isn’t native to North America, consider these native alternatives that provide similar ecological functions:
- Native Chenopodium species like lamb’s quarters (where native)
- Native annual wildflowers suited to your region
- Regional native plants that attract pollinators and wildlife
If You Choose to Grow It
Should you decide to include nettleleaf goosefoot in a naturalized area, here’s what you need to know:
- Propagation: Self-seeds readily – you likely won’t need to plant it deliberately
- Care: Requires virtually no maintenance
- Management: May need control to prevent excessive spreading
- Best use: Disturbed soil areas, waste spaces, or wild garden sections
The Bottom Line
Nettleleaf goosefoot is one of those plants that divides gardeners. Some see it as a useful, low-maintenance addition to naturalized spaces, while others view it as just another weedy introduction. If you’re passionate about native gardening, you’ll probably want to skip this one in favor of indigenous alternatives. But if you’re looking for something that can handle tough conditions with zero fuss, and you don’t mind its non-native status, nettleleaf goosefoot might just surprise you with its quiet resilience.
Whatever you decide, remember that the best garden choices are always the ones that align with your gardening philosophy and local ecosystem needs.
