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Boundary Invasive Species Society
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Often grown as an ornamental
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Native to Europe and Asia
Kochia
(Kochia scopaira)
Quick Identification
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Annual herbaceous plant that has a deep taproot and can grow up to almost 2 meters tall.
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Stems are upright, branched, and can have red tinged hairs on the upper parts of the stems.
Impact
Can significantly reduce crop yields. It is palatable to livestock but can occasionally have high nitrate levels and pose a risk of sulfate toxicity.
Management
Early tilling in the spring, or mowing before it flowers. Herbicide treatments can also be effective, but some studies have shown that Kochia has developed resistance to certain herbicide brands.
Flower
Flowers are small and green, grouped in clusters in the upper leaf axils and on terminal spikes.
Leaves & Stems
Mature leaves grow in alternate orientation, are elongated and lance shaped, and covered in soft, dense hairs. Its stem is erect, much-branched, and will be green, red-tinged, or red, depending on its age.
Roots
Branched, fibrous taproot that can extend 2.4 meters down and across.
Reproduction & DispersalReproduces by seed and spreads by wind. They typically produce around 14,600 seeds per plant. Seeds are dispersed in the fall when the plant becomes a tumbleweed. Highly invasive due to its tumbleweed mode of seed dispersal.
Seeds
Utricle fruits with an oval, brown to black seed within. Most seeds will only live for one year. Up to 100,000 seeds can be produced by a single plant.
Preferred Habitat
Found in grasslands, prairies and scrublands when soil is poor and rocky.
Interesting Facts
Kochia was commonly grown as an ornamental plant for its dense, conical form and striking red color in the fall.
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