Good-King-Henry

Other names

Mercury, Allgood, Fat-Hen, Goosefoot, Wild Spinach

Growth habit

Herbaceous

Perennation

Long-lived perennial

Native distribution

Europe; Naturalized in Eastern N. America

Biocultural value

In German Legend this plant belongs to Heinz, a household elf. Leaves contain more iron than spinach.

Location

Robison Herb Garden

Source of plant

Cornell Botanic Gardens, Hortus De Wolf, Botanischer Garten der Universitat Bonn

Description

Robust, perennial herb, mealy when young, to 75cm. Leaves triangular to hastate, spinach-like, entire, sinuate, stalks sinuate, slender. Flowers campanulate, in terminal and axillary compound spikes, erect and leafless. Fruits dry; seeds brown.

USDA Hardiness Zone

5

Special characteristics

food