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Class B Noxious Weed

Kochia
Kochia scoparia
 

Kochia close up


Plant family: Chenopodiaceae
Year listed:
Native to: Eurasia

Why is it a noxious weed?

In areas where kochia is widespread, it is considered a serious pest of late-maturing crops. Kochia is an effective competitor for light, nutrients, and soil moisture, and can reduce crop yield.

How would I identify it?
General Description: Kochia is an annual plant. It has a deep taproot. Kochia can reach three to seven feet long.

Leaves:

  • alternate
  • simple
  • 1 - 2 inches long
  • lanceolate to linear in shape
  • hairy margins

Flowers:

  • small
  • green, lacking petals
  • found in cluster in the upper leaf axils, and in terminal spikes

Stems:

  • erect
  • multi-branched
  • long, smooth below
  • hairy above

Line drawings are taken from 1,000 Weeds of North America, copyright of XID Service, Inc and used with permission. Permission granted by the author.

How does it reproduce?

Kochia reproduces from seeds, it typically produces around 14,600 seeds per plant. Seeds are dispersed in the fall when the plant becomes a tumbleweed.

Where does it grow?
Kochia is found on pasture, rangeland, roadsides, ditch banks, wastelands, and cultivated fields.

What is the distribution in Washington State?

Click on map to enlarge.
  • Kochia has been documented in several counties throughout Washington. Refer to map for distribution levels in specific counties.
  • If you think you may have seen this weed, please contact your county weed coordinator or us at noxiousweeds@agr.wa.gov.

 

  • Distribution map is based on 2003 data.

How do I control it?

General control methods:

Cultural: Early tillage in the spring gives good control of the Kochia seedlings.

Herbicide: Please refer to the PNW Weed Management Handbook, or contact your county noxious weed coordinator.

Mechanical:  Mowing or slashing the plants before flowering is effective in reducing seed production.

Biological: None known.

For more information
For more information, download our Written Findings.

 

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Kochia infestaion
Kochia infestation

 Last updated July 23, 2008