Skip to main content

Hoary Goosefoot

Chenopodium incanum

Last reviewed: June 2026

Hoary Goosefoot (Chenopodium incanum)
Photo: (c) Bobby McCabe, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Bobby McCabe

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–24" H × 8"–16" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, KS and 9 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Fremont's goosefoot is a low-growing annual wildflower with silvery-gray foliage and small, inconspicuous flowers. This drought-tolerant native thrives in full sun and poor soils, blooming from summer through early fall. It naturally reseeds and provides texture contrast in native plant gardens.

In an HOA neighborhood

Hoary 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 throughout growing season
  • Annual nature creates gaps and inconsistent appearance
  • Self-seeds unpredictably which HOAs typically prohibit

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract bees and beetles during the long blooming season from June through September. Seeds provide food for small birds and the foliage offers habitat for beneficial insects.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Does Hoary Goosefoot fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.