Chenopodium vulvaria aka Arrach

Chenopodium vulvaria is an annual plant. It belongs to the amaranth family, Amaranthaceae. People call it stinking goosefoot, dog's orache, and notchweed. Its native range spans Europe, central Asia, and Pakistan. It also grows as a native in Macaronesia, North Africa, and the Sahara. The RHS lists it as native to Britain and Ireland. Kew places it in the temperate climate zone.

This small plant grows about 1 foot (0.3 metres) tall. Its whole life cycle takes place in one year. It grows along the inland edges of salt marshes. It also grows on shingle beaches and disturbed ground inland. Touch the plant, and it gives off a strong smell. This smells like fish and is unpleasant. A compound called trimethylamine gives it this smell. The smell can make it less welcome near paths or seats.

Plants For A Future gives its bloom time as July to September. Each flower has both male and female organs. Wind moves pollen from one flower to the next. Seeds ripen from August to October, while the plant still flowers. To grow new plants, sow seeds in spring. Sow them in the spot where they will grow. Plants For A Future says most sprout within days. It lists cultivated beds as a place to grow the plant.

Plants For A Future says this plant is easy to grow. It grows in sand, loam, and heavy clay soils. It prefers moist soil with a moderate level of nutrients. It needs sun rather than shade, so choose a sunny site. It copes with slightly acid, neutral, and slightly alkaline soils. It can grow in soil that holds salt, too. The same source lists USDA hardiness zones 4–8. It gives a separate UK zone number as well. That number does not establish an RHS hardiness rating.

Records note food uses for cooked leaves and flower buds. The small seeds have uses in cooked foods and bread. Soak the seeds overnight, then rinse them well. Plants For A Future says to eat few raw leaves. Their strong smell makes them less appealing as food. These food uses do not mean any amount is safe. The whole plant can yield gold or green dyes. Past uses as medicine include treating spasms, worms, and gout. These records do not prove benefits or give treatment advice.