Chenopodium bonus-henricus

Commonly known as poor-man's asparagus or Good-King-Henry, it is a very common species throughout Italy. Particularly well known amongst mountain communities for its nutritional qualities, it also possesses medicinal properties. Rich in iron, minerals and vitamins, it is an excellent remineraliser and tonic. Conversely, like spinach (which belongs to the same family), it contains high levels of soluble oxalates, which are irritating and harmful to those suffering from kidney stones, arthritis and rheumatism. 

It is a herbaceous, perennial plant, 30–60 cm tall. The leaves are large, triangular-lanceolate, dark green on the upper surface, but lighter in colour and powdery on the underside. The inflorescence is an erect terminal spike, leafy at the base, composed of very small greenish flowers. It is a nitrophilous plant, meaning it tolerates high concentrations of nitrogen compounds in the soil, such as those found in pastureland or near livestock sheds. For this reason, it is found mainly near mountain pastures and uncultivated areas, at altitudes ranging from 500 to over 2,000 metres. 

The genus name derives from the Greek chenós (goose) and podós (foot), due to the resemblance of the leaves to a goose’s feet. The specific name, on the other hand, derives from the French king Henry IV, protector of botanists, who promoted the use of this plant as food during his reign.