Nettle-leaf goosefoot - A nutritious edible weed

The binomial name for nettle-leaf goosefoot is Chenopodium murale. The word Chenopodium comes from Greek and means "goose" and "foot", referring to the shape of the leaves.

The word murale means "wall" in Latin, but I'm not sure how that meaning relates to this plant. From my observation it doesn't have any preference for growing near walls, so that wouldn't be the meaning.

Nettle-leaf goosefoot is native to Europe and parts of Asia and Northern Africa. It was introduced to the Americas by settlers.

Chenopodium murale leaves are a source of vitamins A and C, and calcium.

Of all the Chenopodiaceae, C. murale was found to have the highest levels of oxalic acid, which leads some to recommend that it be eaten in moderation (similar to spinach). Cooking it reduces the oxalic acid levels.

Both the leaves and the seeds of the nettle-leaf goosefoot are edible.

Sources generally agree that the leaves are best eaten cooked. It is recommended that the raw leaves be eaten in small quantities only.

I couldn't find any specific recipes, but the leaves can be boiled and added to a variety of dishes.

The seeds should be soaked before cooking to remove saponins. The seeds can be ground up and used as a flour.

Pima Indian legends talk about nettle-leaf goosefoot being one of the first plants the gods made for the use of humankind.