Chenopodium album
bacon weed
A fast-growing, upright, branching annual to 2m high, with silvery green, lightly toothed leaves, which are narrower further up the plant, and mealy white underneath. Produces spikes of small, tightly clustered green flowers, which can go on to produces thousands of seed from each plant
Other common names
common goosefootdirtweed
see moredirty Dick
fat hen
frost blite
midden meals
muck weed
mutton tops
white goosefoot
lamb's quarters
pigweed
Synonyms
Chenopodium leiospermum
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Amaranthaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Genus
Chenopodium can be annuals or perennials, with often mealy stems and foliage, simple or lobed leaves and minute flowers in termianl or axillary clusters, in a few species followed by colourful fruits
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Most vigorous in fertile, heavy soils in full sun, but will tolerate a range of positions and soil types. Spreads rapidly, generally considered a weed.
Propagation
Self- and wind pollinated, propagates by seed produced prolifically through the growing season. Seed can remain viable in the soil for many years
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
Remove before seeding to prevent spreading
Pests
May be susceptible to root nematodes
Diseases
May be susceptible to downy mildews
Get involved
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