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

Toxicity unknown

Greenmolly (Kochia americana) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

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.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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