BOTANICAL NAMEKochia scoparia WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE? Kochia is a bushy looking annual that can grow from 1 to 6 feet tall depending upon conditions. As the plant dies in the fall it turns red, hence the common name of “Mexican Fireweed”, and becomes a tumbleweed, dropping seeds as it is blown about. *WHERE DO THEY LIKE TO GROW?*Kochia can grow just about anywhere. It is a drought tolerant plant that was introduced as a garden ornamental. It is found in pastures, rangeland, roadsides, ditch banks, and cultivated fields.
WHEN DOES IT BLOOM? The seeds germinate in early spring. Tiny green flowers begin blooming in late summer and produce seed into October. HOW DOES IT SPREAD? It reproduces by seed and each plant can produce 14,600 seeds. NON-CHEMICAL CONTROL •Prevent this weed from going to seed. Control them before the seeds can spread. Pulling seedlings is an effective method of control. •Fertilizers and good watering habits will discourage kochia since it likes very dry conditions •Mowing or weed-eating the plants before flowering is effective in reducing seed production. •Kochia can be grazed by livestock but is toxic in large amounts.
CHEMICAL CONTROL •Kochia can be controlled by several broadleaf herbicides when young, but has shown some chemical resistance as it ages. Check with the Kootenai County Noxious Weed Department for suggestions on chemical use.
