KOCHIA
Scientific Name: Bassia scoparia ‘Kochia’
Common Names: Kochia
Description: Kochia ‘Kochia’ is a popular annual herb native to Eurasia. It’s widely cultivated for its unique appearance and interesting color changes throughout the season.
Size: Typically grows 0.5-1.5 meters (1.6-5 feet) tall, with some varieties reaching up to 2 meters (6.6 feet) in ideal conditions.
Leaves: Thread-like, needle-like leaves densely packed along the stems. Leaves emerge green in spring and summer, transitioning to vibrant shades of red, orange, and purple in fall.
Flowers: Inconspicuous, small, greenish flowers that appear in summer. These are not a showy feature of the plant.
Fruit: Produces small seeds after flowering.
Uses:
- Ornamental Plant: Primarily grown for its unique appearance and seasonal color changes. Popular for:
- Mass plantings to create colorful borders or beds.
- Container plants for patios and balconies.
- Dried Flowers: Some varieties are used in dried flower arrangements after the foliage turns red.