Kochia
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 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBurningbush 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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Kochia? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.