Chenopodium
(from chen, a goose, and pous, a foot; in allusion to the shape of the leaves). ORD. Chenopodiaceae. An extensive genus of herbaceous or sub-shrubby plants, of little ornamental beauty. They are more or less employed as pot herbs, particularly the species commonly known as "Good King Henry" (C. Bonus Henricus). Calyx of three to five connate sepals, inferior, persistent and unaltered, closing upon, and often wholly enveloping, the fruit; corolla none. Seeds solitary, lenticular.
The Mercury Goose-foot, or Good King Henry, has, in some parts of England, especially in Lincolnshire, long been esteemed as a substitute for Asparagus. The following method of culture is recommended: The ground should be rich, dry, and deeply trenched. Plants should be put in, about April, 9in. asunder each way; or seeds sown in drills 9in. apart, afterwards hoeing out to 9in. from plant to plant. As soon as they have ripened off, a dressing of leaf soil, about 4in. or 5in. in thickness, should be applied. In the spring of the first year, only a small quantity should be cut, as the plants would be too greatly weakened; but each subsequent year, full crops will be had. During the season of vigorous growth, the plants are greatly improved by watering with liquid manure. Besides the young shoots forming a substitute for Asparagus, the leaves can be used when young instead of Spinach. These are rather large, considering the size of the plants. The latter must not, however, be too greatly denuded of foliage, or they will soon become worthless. A contemporary writer says that, from a south border, cutting generally commences early in April, and continues until the end of June. When properly grown, the young shoots should be almost as thick as the little finger; and, in gathering, it should be cut under the ground, somewhat similar to Asparagus. C. ambrosioides (Ambrosia-like). Mexican Tea. fl. greenish. l. slightly petioled, oblong or lanceolate, repand-toothed, or nearly entire, the upper tapering to both ends; spikes densely flowered, leafy or almost leafless. A native of tropical America, but now naturalised in nearly all temperate climates. Annual.
C. atriplicis (Atriplex-like). fl. bright reddish-purple, disposed in clustered heads. l. numerous, petiolate, nearly spathulate. Stem angular, erect, slightly branched, reddish; young shoots and leaves covered with a fine rose-violet powder. h. 3ft. China. A vigorous half-hardy annual, well adapted for planting on grassplats, or grouping with other plants in pleasure-grounds. SYN. C. purpurascens.
C. Bonus-Henricus.* All-good; Good King Henry. fl., corolla quite campanulate; spikes compound, terminal, and axillary, erect, leafless. August. l. triangular, arrow-shaped, mostly entire, large, dark green. Stems striated. h. 1ft. Britain. Perennial. (Sy. En. B. 1199.) C. purpurascens (purplish). A synonym of C. atriplicis.