'Magenta Spreen' Tree Spinach (or Giant Goosefoot)

Chenopodium giganteum Origin: Unknown, via France, via Corvallis, Oregon Improvement status: Cultivar Seeds per packet: ~500 Germination tested 12/2022: 75% Life cycle: Annual This is hands-down the most beautiful lamb's quarters (or goosefoot) adapted to North America. Sure, the closely related quinoas and kañiwas of South America come in a range of neon colors, but most of them are poorly adapted to most of North America. Magenta spreen, on the other hand, has such vivid neon magenta-pink coloration it almost looks fake. The naturally powdered surface of the leaves also lends an iridescence that makes it even more magical. This species of goosefoot, which can grow to almost ten feet tall, comes from Asia, but it has naturalized in many other countries including France and the US. It was introduced to commerce here in the US by Dr. Alan "Mushroom" Kapuler through his Peace Seeds around 1983. It's said coined the word "spreen" as an alternative to the gun-invoking "shoot"! The shoots