PlantFiles: Common Kochia, Burning Bush, Ragweed, Mexican Fireweed
Bassia scoparia

This is an invasive noxious weed. It goes from alive and green to brown and dead and then blows around like a 'tumbleweed' similar to Russian thistle (Salsola kali) spreading its seeds EVERYWHERE.

Kochia is a bushy annual and is one of the fastest-spreading weeds in the U.S. It is very drought tolerant, and can survive and little rainfall. It produces a surprisingly large amount of seeds that are spread through the wind and through other avenues. Livestock eat the plant, although it contains high nitrate levels and can be toxic to in large amounts.

Aside from harsh chemical sprays, there are very little methods of controlling the spread of Koshia beyond preventing the seeds from forming, and uprooting the weeds when young. This plant can cause allergic reactions in people during the late summer or fall because of the airborne pollen.

The fuzzy caterpillars of Diacrisia virginica (Woolly Bear Moth/Isabella Moth) feed on the foliage.

Burning Bush, Summer Cypress, Mexican Fireweed, Belvedere Bassia scoparia is Native to Texas and other States.