Good King Henry - Blitum bonus-henricus

Good King Henry – perennial wild plant with spinach-like taste. 

Good King Henry is a very old perennial wild plant with triangular to spear-shaped, dark green leaves whose undersides are characteristically mealy-dusted. It grows robustly, is hardy, and is well suited for cultivation in open fields as well as in naturalistic gardens. The leaves have a mild, spinach-like flavor and can be used in many ways. Open pollinated, easy to care for, and high-yielding – ideal for self-sufficiency and ecological cultivation.

  Origin & History

Good King Henry (Blitum bonus-henricus, formerly Chenopodium bonus-henricus) belongs to the amaranth family (Amaranthaceae) and is considered one of the oldest leafy vegetables in Europe. Originally, it was widespread in the Alps, the Pyrenees, and the low mountain ranges of Central Europe, where it grew on nitrogen-rich soils near villages and pastures. Already in the Middle Ages it was valued as both a vegetable and a medicinal plant, appearing in herbals of the 15th and 16th centuries as an important food source. Its leaves were regarded as a vitamin-rich addition to winter diets, while the young shoots and flower clusters were prepared as vegetables.

Up until the 17th century, Good King Henry was common in cottage gardens and cultivated as “poor man’s spinach,” since it reliably sprouted every spring and could be harvested for many years. With the rise of annual cultivated spinach (Spinacia oleracea), however, it lost importance and was increasingly displaced. In rural regions it survived as a traditional plant, passed down through generations.

The plant is distinguished by its perennial growth and exceptional hardiness, setting it apart from modern spinach varieties. It develops strong taproots, sprouts anew each spring, and provides a continuous supply of fresh leaves. Its folk names such as “Heimrich” or “poor man’s spinach” reflect its close ties to peasant culture and household economy. Today, Good King Henry is considered a rare and marginalized variety, preserved as cultural heritage by gardeners and initiatives dedicated to old vegetable species.

  Appearance & Characteristics

The plant grows herbaceous and reaches a height of about 80 cm. It produces numerous triangular to spear-shaped leaves with characteristically mealy-dusted undersides. The plant is hardy down to around -23 °C and shows high tolerance to changing weather conditions.

Leaf details:

• Size: Medium to large, approx. 8-15 cm long leaves

• Shape: Triangular to spear-shaped

• Color: Dark green, underside mealy-dusted

• Texture: Tender, fleshy

• Flavor: Mild spinach-like, fresh and aromatic

 Usage & Cultivation Highlights

Good King Henry is suitable for fresh use in salads, smoothies, and as a garnish. With its mild spinach-like flavor and tender texture, it can be enjoyed in many ways – steamed or lightly sautéed as a side dish, in soups and stews, or as a fine note in pestos and spreads. Young flower clusters can be prepared like broccoli or asparagus. Thanks to its high iron and vitamin C content, it is low in calories, nutrient-rich, and popular in diet and low-carb cuisine, traditionally also valued as a vitamin-rich winter supplement. The seeds can be roasted or cooked like quinoa and were once used as a flour additive in bread doughs. In folk medicine, leaves and roots were applied against skin problems and digestive complaints, underlining the historical importance of this variety.

Due to its robustness and winter hardiness, Good King Henry grows reliably outdoors and in raised beds. As a perennial plant, it provides fresh leaves for many years, is easy to care for, thrives even in lighter soils, and is ideally suited for year-round harvest thanks to its high frost resistance. With deep roots, it tolerates dry periods, shows resilience against pests and diseases, and is well adapted for ecological cultivation and permaculture. It also serves as an indicator of nitrogen-rich soils and can be harvested multiple times, as the leaves regrow continuously. Its longevity and ability to sprout reliably even in high altitudes and cooler regions make it a versatile variety for different climates.

Compared to modern spinach varieties, Good King Henry is especially hardy, perennial, and easy to grow – ideal for anyone who values open pollinated wild plants with high nutritional content and classic flavor.