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SEASONAL IDENTIFICATION
KOCHIA (Kochia scoparia)
EARLY
SUMMER
LATE
SUMMER
LATE
SUMMER
-
FALL
SUMMER
LATE
SUMMER
FALL
-
WINTER
Kochia's pyramidal form is apparent even in young plants.
Leaves attach directly to the stem and are narrow, pointed,
and covered in short hairs. Note water beads up on the leaf
surface.
The branches are not noticeable on their own, but after the
flowers develop, the branch structure becomes more visible.
Kochia is easily identified when its flowers, branches, and
stems turn red or pink. Not all plants or flowers turn red.
The leaf blades are about 2 inches wide with a prominent
white stripe in the center. If the leaf is detached from the
stem, a tattered, translucent membrane becomes visible.
Small yellow flowers with five petals bloom along the stems,
filling in the space between leaves. Leaves become very
slender and covered in dense, long hairs.
Late in the fall season, kochia turns brittle and dries to
a brown or tan color. At its full size, kochia can be seen
overtaking guardrails. The seeds are dark in color, small,
and irregularly shaped.
