How much sun does Kochia need?

Kochia grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Kochia bloom?

Kochia blooms in June, July, August, and September.

Is Kochia toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Kochia as toxic to livestock.

Is Kochia HOA-friendly?

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

Kochia

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Bassia scoparia

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Kochia (Bassia scoparia) 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.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Kochia as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Native alternatives to Kochia

Kochia is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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

Find rebates in your area

Picture natives in your own yard

Wondering what could grow where Kochia is now? Upload a photo of the spot and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it replanted with natives for your region.

Try it with your yard

Burningbush is a fast-growing annual that forms a neat, rounded shrub-like shape throughout the growing season. It turns brilliant red-orange in fall, providing striking seasonal color before dying back in winter.

In an HOA neighborhood

Kochia 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.

Considered invasive and banned in many states
Can self-seed aggressively
May look unkempt as it matures and sets seed

Wildlife value

Supports bees and beetles during its long summer blooming period from June through September.

Common questions

How much sun does Kochia need?: Kochia grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Kochia bloom?: Kochia blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Is Kochia toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Kochia as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Kochia attract?: Kochia draws bees and beetles.
Is Kochia HOA-friendly?: Kochia takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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

Ready to grow Kochia? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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