Hoary Goosefoot
Chenopodium incanum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Hoary Goosefoot (Chenopodium incanum) 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
12"–24" H × 8"–16" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, KS and 9 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
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 areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
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.
Common questions
- How much sun does Hoary Goosefoot need?
- Hoary Goosefoot grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Hoary Goosefoot bloom?
- Hoary Goosefoot blooms in June, July, August, and September.
- Where is Hoary Goosefoot native?
- Hoary Goosefoot (Chenopodium incanum) is native to AZ, CA, CO, KS and 9 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Hoary Goosefoot attract?
- Hoary Goosefoot draws bees and beetles.
- Is Hoary Goosefoot HOA-friendly?
- Hoary 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 Hoary Goosefoot? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz