How much sun does Greenmolly need?

Greenmolly grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Greenmolly bloom?

Greenmolly blooms in July, August, and September.

Where is Greenmolly native?

Greenmolly (Kochia americana) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Greenmolly HOA-friendly?

Greenmolly takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Greenmolly

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Kochia americana

Last reviewed: August 2026

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Northwestern Forested Mountains North American Deserts

Kochia americana is a compact annual forb that forms a neat, rounded mound of fine-textured foliage. This drought-tolerant native thrives in full sun with minimal water, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers from July through September.

In an HOA neighborhood

Greenmolly takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Annual growth means gaps in landscape coverage
May be confused with weedy kochia species
Relatively unknown plant may raise HOA concerns

Wildlife value

While not heavily documented for pollinator support, this native plant likely provides some benefit to small insects and native bees during its blooming period.

Common questions

How much sun does Greenmolly need?: Greenmolly grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Greenmolly bloom?: Greenmolly blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Greenmolly native?: Greenmolly (Kochia americana) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 7 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Greenmolly HOA-friendly?: Greenmolly takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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