annual

Stinking Goosefoot

The Story

Plant Bio

Chenopodium vulvaria, known as stinking goosefoot, is a low-growing, highly branched annual herb with a prostrate to ascending habit. The entire plant is covered in grey, mealy hairs that give the foliage a frosted appearance and release a strong, unpleasant odor of rotting fish when bruised.

This species is distinguished by its extreme tolerance for nutrient-rich, highly disturbed soils and coastal shingle. The small, green flowers are wind-pollinated and cluster in dense, compact terminal and axillary cymes throughout summer.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides no ornamental value; the flowers are inconspicuous and the foliage emits a foul odor.

Serves as a botanical subject for studying trimethylamine production and halophytic adaptations.

Acts as a pioneer species on highly disturbed, saline, or nutrient-rich waste grounds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Annual

Height

16"

Width

20"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Annual

Native To

Europe and Western Asia

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested in large quantities

Bloom period

Summer – Fall

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Sow seeds directly onto the soil surface in a full-sun location during early spring.
Keep the soil moist until germination, which occurs rapidly in disturbed or cultivated ground.
Thin seedlings to allow at least twelve inches of space for the prostrate stems to spread.
Withhold supplemental water and fertilizer, as the plant thrives in dry, nutrient-poor, or highly saline conditions.

Pro Tip

Avoid planting this species in ornamental beds; the foliage contains high concentrations of trimethylamine, which off-gasses an intense scent of decaying fish whenever brushed or disturbed.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Wear gloves when handling the plant to avoid transferring the persistent trimethylamine odor to skin.
Grow in full sun to maintain the compact, mealy-haired foliage form.
Allow the plant to complete its annual cycle if collecting seed for botanical study.

Don't

Do not apply nitrogen-rich fertilizers, which trigger aggressive, weedy growth.
Do not plant near high-traffic pathways or seating areas where the foliage will be brushed.
Do not ingest large quantities of raw foliage due to the presence of saponins and oxalic acid.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Harvest
Pest Check
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Revegetation of disturbed saline soilsBotanical study collectionsCoastal erosion control in shingle zones

Companion Plants

Atriplex prostrata Salsola kali Beta vulgaris

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Stinking Goosefoot questions

What zones can Stinking Goosefoot grow in?

Stinking Goosefoot is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Stinking Goosefoot deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Stinking Goosefoot, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Stinking Goosefoot bloom?

Stinking Goosefoot typically blooms in summer through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Stinking Goosefoot need full sun?

Stinking Goosefoot does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Stinking Goosefoot drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Stinking Goosefoot handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.