Chenopodium ficifolium aka Fig Leaf Goosefoot

Chenopodium ficifolium, or fig-leaved goosefoot, is an annual in the Amaranthaceae family. Older plant references placed its genus in the Chenopodiaceae family. Its native range runs from Europe to Korea and northern Indo-China. The RHS also lists it as native to Britain and Ireland. Kew places it within the temperate climate zone.

The plant reaches about 3 feet (0.9 metres) in height. It grows on waste ground and in fields used for crops. Rich ground and sites near compost heaps suit it. Plants For A Future also lists cultivated beds as a growing place. Its account notes that the plant avoids acid soils in the wild. This contrasts with its stated tolerance of mildly acid garden soil.

For garden growing, choose an open site without shade. Plants For A Future describes this species as easy to grow. It accepts sandy soil, loam and clay, so soil texture need not limit planting. It prefers moist soil with a moderate level of fertility. Its stated pH range covers mildly acid, neutral and mildly alkaline ground. The source lists USDA hardiness zones 4–8. It also gives a UK zone number, but not an RHS H rating.

Flowers appear from July to September, and wind carries their pollen. Each flower has both male and female organs. Seeds ripen from August to October, overlapping with the flowering season. Sow seed straight into its growing site in spring. Plants For A Future reports that most seeds sprout within days. This offers a direct way to raise the plant in beds. The evidence gives no separate details of its fruit or leaf form.

The leaves and flower buds can serve as cooked greens. Add them to soups or prepare them in place of spinach. The source limits raw leaves to small amounts rather than unrestricted use. Roast the seeds and use them to season food. Plants For A Future compares this use with sesame as a flavouring. It rates the plant's food value at two out of five. The whole plant can also yield gold or green dyes. The same source records no known medicinal uses. It gives other uses a score of one out of five.