Chenopodium Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Goosefoots, genus Chenopodium

Fat Hen (Chenopodium album)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order:	Caryophyllales
Family:	Amaranthaceae
Genus:	Chenopodium

Chenopodium is a group of about 150 different kinds of flowering plants. They are commonly known as Goosefoots because the shape of their leaves often looks like a goose's foot! These plants are found all over the world. Many species of Goosefoot are important because people use them as food crops. Some well-known examples include Quinoa, Kañiwa, Fat Hen, Good King Henry, and Epazote.

What are Goosefoots?
- Why are they called Goosefoots?
Important Food Plants
- Quinoa: A Superfood
- Other Edible Goosefoots
Where Goosefoots Grow
Images for kids
See also

What are Goosefoots?

Goosefoots belong to the plant family called Amaranthaceae. This family also includes plants like spinach and beets. Chenopodium plants can be small annuals, meaning they grow for one season. They can also be larger shrubs. You can find them growing in many different places. They grow in gardens, fields, and even along roadsides.

Why are they called Goosefoots?

The name "Goosefoot" comes from the unique shape of their leaves. Many species have leaves that are somewhat triangular. They might also have lobes, or rounded parts, that look like a goose's webbed foot. This makes them easy to spot once you know what to look for.

Important Food Plants

Many Goosefoot species have been used as food for thousands of years. They are known for being nutritious. Some are grown on farms, while others grow wild.

Quinoa: A Superfood

One of the most famous Goosefoots is Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah). Quinoa seeds are very popular. They are known as a "superfood." This is because they are packed with protein. They also have fiber and important vitamins. Quinoa was first grown in the Andes Mountains of South America. People there have eaten it for thousands of years. It is a staple food in countries like Peru and Bolivia. Today, quinoa is eaten all over the world.

Other Edible Goosefoots

Fat Hen (Chenopodium album) is a common wild plant. Its leaves are edible. They can be cooked like spinach. Many people gather it from the wild.
Good King Henry (Blitum bonus-henricus) is another edible Goosefoot. Its leaves and shoots can be eaten. It has a mild flavor.
Kañiwa (Chenopodium pallidicaule) is similar to quinoa. It is also grown in the Andes. Its seeds are nutritious.
Epazote (Dysphania ambrosioides) is used as an herb. It has a strong flavor. People use it in Mexican cooking. It helps with digestion.

Where Goosefoots Grow

Goosefoots are found almost everywhere. They grow in many different climates. Some prefer warm places. Others can handle colder weather. They are very adaptable plants. This is why there are so many different species. They can grow in deserts, mountains, and even near the sea.