| Botanical Name |
Kochia scoparia |
| Common Name |
Summer cypress, Green molly |
| Family |
Chenopodiaceae - Goosefoot |
| Description |
This sun-loving annual has many erect branches, which have ridges. Alternate leaves along the stems are lance-shaped and taper to a point. The margins of the leaves are hairy. This plant turns reddish after frost. It resembles Tumbleweed but is a more pointed plant and has no stickers. It is a serious, invasive, very drought tolerant weed in the southwestern United States. |
| Mature Size |
1’ – 4’ |
| Bloom |
In the summer very small, inconspicuous, green flowers occur in clusters at the ends of stems and elsewhere. The flowers have no petals but do have rather large yellow anthers and hairy bracts. The pollen is considered highly allergenic. |
| Interesting Facts |
This native of Eurasia was brought to the U.S. around 1900 as an ornamental hedge. It has since escaped cultivation and spread over most of the country. |
| Traditional and Medicinal Uses |
Kochia may have value as livestock fodder but its use is limited by toxicity when eaten in large quantities. The seeds are eaten as a food garnish called tonburi in Japan. Its texture is said to be similar to caviar. Tonburi has been used in traditional Chinese medicines. |
