Huauzontle (pitseed goosefoot) Chenopodium berlandieri
Huauzontle (pitseed goosefoot) (Chenopodium berlandieri) is an annual vegetable in the Amaranthaceae family, native to North America; the cultivated form (subsp. nuttalliae) was domesticated in Mexico. It grows 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) tall and 40–70 cm (16–28 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -2 °C (28 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
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Huauzontle (pitseed goosefoot) at a glance
| Type | Annual vegetable |
|---|---|
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Mature height | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 40–70 cm (16–28 in) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -2 °C (28 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | about 8–10 weeks after planting, for 3–4 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 90 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Yes: flower clusters, leaves, seeds |
| Native to | North America; the cultivated form (subsp. nuttalliae) was domesticated in Mexico |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Huauzontle (pitseed goosefoot) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous; like spinach the leaves contain oxalates, so they are usually cooked.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Huauzontle (pitseed goosefoot)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Huauzontle (pitseed goosefoot)
- How far apart should I plant Huauzontle (pitseed goosefoot)?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–70 cm (16–28 in).
- Does Huauzontle (pitseed goosefoot) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Huauzontle (pitseed goosefoot) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Huauzontle (pitseed goosefoot)?
- It tolerates about -2 °C (28 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Huauzontle (pitseed goosefoot) flower?
- About 8–10 weeks after planting, for 3–4 weeks.
- Is Huauzontle (pitseed goosefoot) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous; like spinach the leaves contain oxalates, so they are usually cooked.
- What grows well with Huauzontle (pitseed goosefoot)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Huauzontle (pitseed goosefoot). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- GRIN-Global Taxonomy, USDA ARS
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Grown for its dense green flower heads, which are dipped in egg batter and fried with cheese (tortitas de huauzontle), a Lenten dish of central Mexico.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Spinach Spinacia oleracea
- Swiss chard Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris (Cicla)
- Beetroot Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
- Amaranth (leaf, callaloo) Amaranthus tricolor
- Quinoa Chenopodium quinoa
- Love-lies-bleeding (kiwicha) Amaranthus caudatus
- Epazote Dysphania ambrosioides
- Celosia (cockscomb) Celosia argentea