Chenopodiastrum murale (nettle-leaved goosefoot)

Leaf type: Triangular, rhombic, runcinate, serrated
Phyllotaxis: Alternate

Leaf (upper side)

Australian spinach leaves

leaves nettle leaved goosefoot

Habitus & biology

Nettle leaved goosefoot habitus

The nettle-leaved goosefoot is an annual plant. It grows to a height of between 10 and 100 centimetres and differs from the closely related mapleleaf goosefoot by its somewhat shiny and “curly” leaves.

Distribution & habitates

Nettle leaved goosefoot by the wayside
Flowering nettle-leaved goosefoot on a roadside at the end of September.

Europe, North Africa, West Asia and as an introduced species also in Australia, North America and other regions (distribution map).

Chenopodiastrum murale nettle leaved goosefoot

The nettle-leaved goosefoot grows in sunny to semi-shady locations and can be found on roadsides, walls, steps, rubble heaps and in weedy areas.

Botany

Chenopodiastrum murale is a member of the amaranth family (Amaranthaceae). Its common names are nettle-leaved goosefoot and Australian-spinach, salt-green or sowbane.

Chenopodiastrum murale
Chenopodiastrum murale with Amaranthus retroflexus (top right) and Mercurialis annua (bottom right).