Goosefoot (Dysphania ambrosioides)

Dysphania ambrosioides is an aromatic herb with a pungent scent, known for traditional medicinal uses and as a sparingly used culinary herb due to its strong flavor.

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Full Sun to Partial Shade

Watering

Moderate

Soil

Well-draining soil is essential. It is not particularly fussy about soil pH but prefers fertile loam.

Temperature

Warm

Habitat

Outdoor, Greenhouse

Fertilizer

Light

Care Requirements

Light

Full Sun to Partial Shade

Prefers at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.

Water

Moderate

Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Soil

Well-draining soil is essential. It is not particularly fussy about soil pH but prefers fertile loam.

Temperature

Warm

Thrives in temperatures between 18-25°C.

Habitat

Outdoor, Greenhouse

Fertilizer

Light

Feed monthly during growing season.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Category

Medicinal, Vegetable

Plant Place Type

Ground, Pot

Plant Environment

Outdoor, Greenhouse

Lifespan

Annuals

Plant Height

0.3-1.2 m

Spread

0.3-1 m

Growth Rate

Fast

Dormancy

None

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Ovate to oblong

Weed Status

Yes

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · AugPeak fruit · Sep

FloweringFruiting

Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · FebPeak fruit · Feb

FloweringFruiting

Synonyms

Agathophytum ambrosioides (L.) Peterm.

Ambrina ambrosioides (L.) Spach

Ambrina parvula Phil.

Ambrina spathulata Moq.

Atriplex ambrosioides (L.) Crantz

Blitum ambrosioides (L.) Beck

Botrys ambrosioides (L.) Nieuwl.

Chenopodium amboanum (Murr) Aellen

Chenopodium ambrosioides L.

Chenopodium angustifolium Pav. ex Moq.

Chenopodium cuneifolium Vent. ex Moq.

Chenopodium integrifolium Vorosch.

Chenopodium querciforme Murr

Chenopodium rugosum Raf.

Chenopodium sancta-maria Vell.

Chenopodium spathulatum (Moq.) Sieber ex Moq.

Chenopodium suffruticosum Willd.

Chenopodium variegatum Gouan

Neobotrydium ambrosioides (L.) M.L.Zhang & G.L.Chu

Orthosporum ambrosioides (L.) Kostel.

Orthosporum suffruticosum Kostel.

Roubieva querciformis (Murr) G.L.Chu

Teloxys ambrosioides (L.) W.A.Weber

Vulvaria ambrosioides (L.) Bubani

Taxonomy

kingdomPlantae
divisionTracheophyta
classMagnoliopsida
orderCaryophyllales
familyAmaranthaceae
genusDysphania
speciesDysphania ambrosioides

Toxicity

Toxic for humans

Yes

Rating: 5/5

Toxic for pets

Yes

Rating: 4/5

Edible

Yes

Additional Care Tips

Water consistently, especially during dry periods, but ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. Reduce watering in winter.

Pinch back the tops to encourage bushier growth and prevent premature flowering. Remove any dead or damaged stems as needed.

Easily grown from seed sown directly outdoors after the last frost. Can also be propagated by cuttings taken in spring or early summer.

If grown in a pot, repot annually in spring into fresh potting mix to refresh nutrients and provide adequate space for root growth.

FAQs

Is wormseed safe to consume?

Wormseed (Dysphania ambrosioides) is edible in small quantities as a culinary herb, but its strong flavor and potential toxicity require careful use. It is traditionally used medicinally, but high doses can be harmful.

What are the toxicity concerns for pets?

Wormseed is considered toxic to pets. Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal upset, and in larger amounts, more severe symptoms. Keep pets away from the plant.

How do I grow wormseed?

Grow wormseed in full sun to partial shade in well-draining soil. It is an annual that grows quickly from seed sown directly after the last frost. Regular watering and occasional feeding support growth.

Why is my wormseed plant flowering so early?

Wormseed may bolt (flower prematurely) under stress, such as extreme heat, drought, or nutrient deficiency. Pinching back the plant can encourage leafy growth and delay flowering.

What is the best way to use wormseed in cooking?

Due to its potent flavor, wormseed is best used sparingly as a seasoning, similar to oregano or thyme, in savory dishes like stews, beans, or sauces. It is a key ingredient in some traditional Mexican cuisine.

Care Requirements

Light

Full Sun to Partial Shade

Prefers at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.

Water

Moderate

Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Soil

Well-draining soil is essential. It is not particularly fussy about soil pH but prefers fertile loam.

Temperature

Warm

Thrives in temperatures between 18-25°C.

Habitat

Outdoor, Greenhouse

Fertilizer

Light

Feed monthly during growing season.

Additional Care Tips

Water consistently, especially during dry periods, but ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. Reduce watering in winter.

Pinch back the tops to encourage bushier growth and prevent premature flowering. Remove any dead or damaged stems as needed.

Easily grown from seed sown directly outdoors after the last frost. Can also be propagated by cuttings taken in spring or early summer.

If grown in a pot, repot annually in spring into fresh potting mix to refresh nutrients and provide adequate space for root growth.

FAQs