Chenopodium californicum – “California Soap Plant”

Also Known As: Soaproot, California Goosefoot, Indian Lettuce
Other Botanical Names: Blitum californicum
Family: Goosefoot (Chenopodiaceae)
Bloom Period: Mar-Jun
Form: Perennial herb
Habitat: Moist places such as seeps and oases
Leaves: Arrowhead-shaped; basal rosette below, alternate on stems
Translation: “Chenopodium” is Greek for “goose foot,” which refers to the shape of the leaves; “californicum” means “Californian”; “Blitum” is derived from Latin and refers to spinach-like plants.”