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Chenopodium pratericola Desert goosefoot (1 Page of 5) The Chenopodium pratericola plant species is found in N. America. A casual in Britain[17]. It is a member of the Chenopodiaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Desert goosefoot. Some home gardeners know the variety as C. leptophyllom. auct. non Nutt. C. desiccatum leptophylloides. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Chenopodium pratericola Common Name: Desert goosefoot Family: Chenopodiaceae Author: Rydb. Known Hazards: The leaves and seeds of all members of this genus are more or less edible. However, many of the species in this genus contain saponins, though usually in quantities too small to do any harm. Although toxic, saponins are poorly absorbed by the body and most pass straight through without any problem. They are also broken down to a large extent in the cooking process. Saponins are found in many foods, such as some beans. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K].
The plants also contain some oxalic acid, which in large quantities can lock up some of the nutrients in the food. However, even considering this, they are very nutritious vegetables in reasonable quantities. Cooking the plants will reduce their contwent of oxalic acid. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition[238]. Mature Height: 1 Mature Width: Habitat: A casual on rubbish tips and nar buildings and docks[17].
Cultivation Notes: We have very little information on this species, though it is a casual on rubbish tips here and should succeed as a spring sown annual. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.
An easily grown plant, succeeding in most soils but disliking shade[1, 200]. It prefers a moderately fertile soil[200].
For further Chenopodium pratericola gardening information click on one of the blue links below Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'. View their bibliography

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