Good King Henry is the common name of Chenopodium bonus-henricus species, from Chenopodiaceae family.
Also known as: wild spinach, markery, poor man's asparagus, goosefoot.
Good king henry flowering
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Features of Good King Henry
Height to 24 inches. Spread to 18 inches. Zone 5. Perennial.
arrow-shaped leaf.
greenish-yellow, tiny flower in summer.
Growing Good King Henry
- by root division during autumn.
- by seed during spring.
- thinning: Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart.
- transplant: Transplant 12 inches apart.
Good King Henry is related to Fat Hen, both are nutritious herbs used since Neolithic times. It is also known as poor man's asparagus
New shoots of the plant can be cut and bundled to be cooked like asparagus,
while young leaves may be cooked as spinach.
Good King Henry may contain a small amount of saponins, which is slightly toxic, though usually poorly absorbed by the body.
Using Good King Henry
Culinary
Salad
Add young leaves to salads. Older leaves are not as palatable. (Use leaf)
Vegetable
Boil and peel young stems, and eat as a substitute for asparagus. (Use stem)
Medicinal
First-aid
Used in poultices and ointments for skin sores in the past. (Use leaf)
Medicine
A mild laxative. (Use leaf)
Supplement
Rich in iron, calcium, and vitamins. (Use leaf)
Traditional Remedies
Traditional remedies may or may not be supported by scientific evidences.
Cautions
- Please consult with your doctor before using good king henry for health related purposes.
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