Branching Goosefoot

Images ©:
©Chris Lindorff CC2.5 via natureshare.org.au, Russel Best CC2.5 via natureshare.org.au

Chenopodium nitrariaceum

Much-branched spiny shrub to 2 m high and wide, often in hedge-like stands. Oblong thick leaves alternating, without obvious stems up to 30 mm long. Small flowers to 2 mm on panicle to 30 cm.

Details
Flora Type
Chenopods
Other Common Names
Nitre Goosefoot
Distinctive Features

Spiny, greyish shrub, with slender branches and thick, green leaves that are not mealy but are lightly powdery on the underneath. Can be the dominant plant over extensive local areas.
Biology

Perennial. Occurs on heavy alluvial or clay soils on floodplains, river flats and low lying areas subject to occasional inundation. Tolerant of drought and salinity, and can withstand extended period of complete inundation.
Native Status
Native
Flowering Time

Mostly Feb-Aug but all year
Taxonomy
Phylum
Tracheophyta (Vascular Plants)
Class
Magnoliopsida (Flowering Plants)
Order
Caryophyllales
Family
Chenopodiaceae
Genus
Chenopodium
Species
nitrariaceum

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

A valuable fodder plant for cattle during periods of drought. The leaves and seeds of some Chenopodium species were used by Aboriginal people as a food source. Introduced in Europe and UK as an alien on wool.

Interesting Facts
Native Status
Native