Chenopodium giganteum aka Tree Spinach

Chenopodium giganteum, or tree spinach, is an annual in the amaranth family. Kew places its native range from the Himalaya to Korea. Useful Tropical Plants notes doubt about its original range. It suggests northern India as a possible source. People grow it for food and gather wild plants. Despite its name, tree spinach is not a tree.

This upright plant has many branches and a bushy shape. In gardens, it reaches 5–8 feet (1.5–2.5 metres) tall. Its spread is about 0.3–1.6 feet (0.1–0.5 metres). Some accounts give heights of nearly 10 feet (3 metres). It can reach full size within one year. The green leaves have an arrow shape and toothed edges. New leaves and the central rosettes emerge bright magenta. The flowers are small, with a yellow-green tint. Wind carries the pollen. The seeds measure about 0.06 inches (1.5 millimetres) across.

Grow tree spinach in fertile soil that drains well. It accepts clay, chalk, loam, and sand. Acid, neutral, and alkaline soils all suit it. RHS allows full sun or part shade. Useful Tropical Plants favours sun and says it dislikes shade. Choose a sheltered site with moist but well-drained soil. Growth can be fast when conditions suit it. Tall plants may need stakes to hold them upright. RHS rates it H4, while PFAF lists USDA zones 4–8. Grow new plants from seed.

Tree spinach suits food beds, patios, and containers. Its pink young growth adds colour among other crops. Pick leaves often to keep growth compact and tender. This also helps delay seed production. RHS reports few problems with pests or disease. PFAF does not flag it as a weed risk. The whole plant can yield gold or green dyes. People have also used its thick stems for walking sticks.

Cooked leaves serve as a substitute for spinach. RHS compares their taste with spinach, chard, and cooked asparagus. PFAF advises eating only small amounts of raw leaves. Cooked seeds can be ground and mixed with cereal flour. Soak seeds overnight, then rinse well to remove saponins. Their small size makes them slow to prepare. PFAF lists no known medicinal use for this plant.