Chenopodium bonus-henricus
Also Known As
- Agathophytum bonus-henricus
- Anserina bonus-henricus
- Atriplex bonus-henricus
- Blitum bonus-henricus
- Orthospermum bonus-henricus
- Orthosporum bonus-henricus
- English Mercury
- Good King Henry
- Lincolnshire Spinach
- Markery
- Mercury Goosefoot
- Perennial Goosefoot
- Poor-man's Asparagus
Plant type
perennial, fruit / vegetable
size
- H: 20"-30"
- W: 24"
planting zones
- 3a-7b
Chenopodium bonus-henricus plant details
Chenopodium bonus-henricus is a broadleaf deciduous perennial fruit / vegetable with green foliage. In summer green flowers emerge followed by red fruit. Grows well with bright shade - shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil.
CHARACTERISTICS OF Chenopodium bonus-henricus
- Plant type: perennial fruit / vegetable
- Plant family: amaranthaceae, rosaceae
- Foliage: deciduous green
- Mature size: 24 IN wide, 20 IN - 30 IN - tall
- Flowers: green blooms in summer
- Uses: edible, heirloom, self-sowing
GROWING CONDITIONS for Chenopodium bonus-henricus
- USDA Zones: 3a - 7b
- Sun exposure: bright shade - shade
- Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
- Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained
Nursery contributed plant descriptions
An ancient ‘pot herb’, related to Amaranth. The leaves, young shoots, flower buds and even the seeds are edible. It is usually steamed rather than eaten raw, as it contains tart oxalic acid. Regular harvesting of leaves will generate regrowth, from spring ‘til late summer. 20-30” tall.
A vigorous grower and, unlike so many vegetable plants, is thrives in partial shade. Can be planted thickly to act as a ground cover, and can grow under trees, as long as the shade is not dense. Ideal for permaculture. In favorable conditions it will self-sow modestly. Grow in deep rich soil for happiest plants. Hardiness Zone 3 to 7.
Gardening facts about Chenopodium bonus-henricus plant
How to Grow Chenopodium bonus-henricus
Sun Exposure
- bright shade - shade
Water Needs
- even moisture - regular
Soil Needs
- average
- well-drained
- rich
Features
Foliage Color
- green
Flower Color
- green
Fruit
- red
Flower Season
- summer
Foliage Season
- deciduous
Landscape groups by tags
See other plant types of Chenopodium for your garden
aka Magenta Spreen Lambsquarter
Plant Type
Annual / Biennial, Fruit / Vegetable
Zones
1-12
Size
Height: 4'-6'
Width: 2'-3'
- sun - mostly sun
- regular - drought tolerant
View Plant
Scientific Name: Dysphania ambrosioides
aka Chenopodium abrosioides
Plant Type
Perennial, Herb
Zones
7a-11
Size
Height: 2'-3'
Width: 1'-3'
- sun - mostly sun
- regular - occasional
View Plant
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