Donaldson, S., Hanson Mazet, W. 2010, A Northern Nevada Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Kochia, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno FS-10-27

Photo of a Kochia plant.

Typical plant growing in disturbed site.

Close up photo of Kochia leaves.

Leaves have 3 to 5 prominent veins, and the flowers are barely noticeable.
 

Photo of a Kochia stem.

The stem is often striped with a reddish color.
 

Close up photo of Kochia seedling

Seedlings are silvery‐green with soft leaves.
 

Photo of dead Kochia plant.

Dead plants break off and tumble, spreading seeds.
(All photos by S. Donaldson)

 

Other common names

Mexican burningbush, Mexican fireweed, fireweed, mock cypress, summer cypress, etc. Kochia should not be confused with forage kochia (Kochia prostrata), a perennial shrub often planted during revegetation projects.

Scientific name

Bassia scoparia

Family

Chenopodiaceae

Description

When mature, kochia grows into a Christmas tree‐shaped plant 1 to 6 feet tall. The seedlings have a very different appearance, with soft, silvery leaves. This plant does not have stickers or spines. Dead plants will break off and tumble.

  • Leaves

    Narrow with smooth edges, ½ to 2 inches long. The blades have 3 or 5 prominent veins. The edges of the leaves are hairy. The upper surface is usually smooth, and the lower surface is usually covered with soft hairs.

  • Stems

    Branch from the base, slender, often softly hairy but sometimes smooth. Stems are often striped with red.

    Flowers

    Tiny green flowers are arranged in spikes. The flowers do not have petals and are difficult to see. Blooms from late summer to fall.

  • Roots

    Grows a deep taproot.

Native to

Europe; naturalized throughout the United States

Where it grows

Roadsides, vacant lots, in pavement cracks and other disturbed or unmanaged sites. Kochia tolerates poor, salty soils and drought conditions.

Life cycle

Annual (sprouts, flowers and dies in a single year)

Reproduction

Reproduces by seed.

Control methods

Control relies on preventing production of seed. Seedlings are easily removed by mechanical means, while mature plants are difficult to remove due to the deep taproot.

  • Mechanical

Dig, hoe or pull young seedlings. Plants that are mowed will regrow. Mature plants are difficult to pull.

  • Cultural

Thick mulches can help prevent seed germination. Plant desirable vegetation that will shade the area and reduce germination and growth of young plants.

  • Biological

Can be grazed when young, but contains substances toxic to livestock, so grazing must be carefully managed.

 

  • Chemical

Apply broadleaf‐selective herbicides on young plants. Mature plants are difficult to kill with herbicides. Pre‐emergence herbicides can be used to manage existing seed banks.

References

Casey, P.A. 2009. Plant guide for kochia (Kochia scoparia). USDA‐Natural Resources Conservation Service, Kansas Plant Materials Center, Manhattan, Kansas, http://plant‐materials.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/publications/newpublications/pg_kosc.pdf

DiTomaso, J.M. and E.A. Healy. 2007. Weeds of California and Other Western States. University of California Publication 3488.

UC IPM. No date. Kochia, http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/WEEDS/kochia.html.

Whitson, Tom D. (editor). 2002. Weeds of the West. University of Wyoming, Jackson, Wyoming.

Printable    Version    (PDF)

Learn more about the author(s)

Lori Leas
Lori Leas
Lauren McGue
Lauren McGue
Angela O'Callaghan
Angela O'Callaghan
M.L. Robinson
M.L. Robinson
 

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