kochia
(Bassia scoparia (L.) A.J. Scott)

Overview

Appearance

Bassia scoparia is an erect, annual herbaceous plant that forms rounded bushes up to 7 ft (2.1 m) tall. The roots can grow at least 8 ft (2.4 m) deep and can have at least an 8 ft (2.4 m) horizontal radius. It is native to central and eastern Europe and Asia.

Foliage

The alternate leaves are simple and linear to narrowly ovate with entire margins fringed with hairs. They can be up to 2.2 in (5.5 cm) long. Leaves are sessile or have a very short petiole. The leaves have 1-5 prominent veins.

Flowers

The flowers are held in a spike inflorescence. It is formed by clusters of inconspicuous, green, petal-less, stalkless flowers that grow in the axils of reduced leaves. Flowers bloom from July through October.

Fruit

The fruit usually has knobby lobes or short horizontal wings. Seeds are egg shaped, flattened, and about 0.04-0.08 in (1–2 mm).

Ecological Threat

B. scoparia was probably introduced as an ornamental plant in the 1800's. It can tolerate a wide range of soils, temperatures and moisture conditions. When it matures the stem breaks off close to the base and becomes a tumbleweed which helps disperse the seed. B. scoparia can be found infesting roadsides, fields, crop fields, ditch banks, seasonal wetlands and other disturbed habitats.

Selected Images

Maps

Invasive Listing Sources

• Arizona Noxious Weeds
• California Invasive Plant Council
• Connecticut Invasive Plant List
• Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group
• Connecticut Noxious Weeds
• Jil M. Swearingen, Survey of invasive plants occurring on National Park Service lands, 2000-2007
• John Randall, The Nature Conservancy, Survey of TNC Preserves, 1995.
• New Hampshire Invasive Plant Species Watch List
• Ohio Noxious Weeds
• Oregon Noxious Weeds
• Pacific Northwest Exotic Pest Plant Council, 1998
• Washington Noxious Weeds
• WeedUS - Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States