Good-King-Henry
Chenopodium bonus-henricus
Amaranthaceae
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
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