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Desert Goosefoot

Chenopodium pratericola

Last reviewed: August 2026

Desert Goosefoot (Chenopodium pratericola)
Photo: Jaxon Rickel / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

Toxicity unknown

Desert Goosefoot (Chenopodium pratericola) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

6"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AZ, CA, CO and 39 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested MountainsSierra NevadaCentral California Foothills and Coastal MountainsCentral California ValleySouthern California MountainsNorth American DesertsCentral Basin and RangeMojave Basin and RangeSouthern RockiesArizona/New Mexico MountainsChihuahuan DesertsHigh PlainsSouthwestern TablelandsCentral Great PlainsGreat PlainsCross TimbersEdwards PlateauSouthern Texas PlainsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsNorthwestern Glaciated PlainsNorthwestern Great PlainsNorthern Glaciated PlainsWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsInterior River Valleys and HillsMadrean ArchipelagoSonoran Basin and RangeSouthern California/Northern Baja Coast

Chenopodium pratericola is a native annual herb that grows in a compact, upright form during summer months. This drought-tolerant plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers from July through September and thrives in sunny locations with minimal water requirements.

In an HOA neighborhood

Desert Goosefoot takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Looks very weedy and wild
  • Inconspicuous flowers may appear unkempt
  • Annual nature creates gaps in landscape

Wildlife value

While specific pollinator data is limited for this species, it likely provides late-season nectar and pollen for small native bees and beneficial insects. The seeds may also provide food for small birds and wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Desert Goosefoot need?
Desert Goosefoot grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Desert Goosefoot bloom?
Desert Goosefoot blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Desert Goosefoot native?
Desert Goosefoot (Chenopodium pratericola) is native to AL, AZ, CA, CO and 39 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Desert Goosefoot HOA-friendly?
Desert Goosefoot takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Desert Goosefoot? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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