Herbicide-resistant Kochia - Bassia scoparia (L.) Schrad.
Family: Amaranthaceae (formerly in Chenopodiaceae)
Life cycle: Annual
Native status: Introduced
Habitat: Crop fields (particularly small grains), railroads, disturbed areas, and more prevalent in western Iowa
General description: Erect, highly branched plant up to 5 ft tall with sessile, blue-green to gray-green, linear leaves. Leaves on young plants are up to 2.5” long and ovate in shape, but as plants mature, the leaves are linear and up to 1” in length. Inconspicuous, green flowers are produced in leaf axils and terminal spikes.
Key ID traits: Alternate leaves are up to 2.5 in long and ¼” wide and hairy, often with three prominent veins. Long hairs are present on the floral spikes. Stems are round and often red.
Miscellaneous: Kochia is one of the earliest emerging summer annuals in Iowa, which limits its occurrence in corn and soybean since the majority of plants emerge prior to planting. It was introduced to the U.S. as an ornamental because of its red, fall color. Cultivated varieties are available. Kochia is one of the major weed problems in the U.S. The Great Plains, where small grains are grown. Kochia and Russian thistle are two of the tumbleweeds common to the western U.S.
- Retired Weed Scientist and Professor of Agronomy
- Field Agronomist in Central Iowa