Kochia • Kochia scoparia
Weeds
Conditions: Allergic rhinitis; allergic asthma.
Symptoms: Itchy, stuffy, or runny nose; post-nasal drip; sneezing; itchy, red or watery eyes; asthmatic symptoms.
Physical description: Bushy to pyramid shape; leaves are small and hairy with a pale green color; stems are branched and green- or red-tinged color; flowers are short green leaf-like bracts; small fruits are oval with brown or black seed.
Environmental factors: Found in rangeland, pastures, fields, gardens, roadsides, ditch banks, and disturbed sites; prefers soil with high salinity; very wide range of temperatures and climatic regions, but particularly adapted to arid and semiarid regions.
Cross-reactivity: Russian thistle; lamb’s quarter; beet; spinach; swiss chard.
Included species: Bassia scoparia
References
- “Kochia.”Merriam-Webster. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kochia
- “Plant Guide for Kochia ( Kochia scoparia).” USDA–Natural Resources Conservation Service. https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_kosc.pdf
- “Allergen Cross-Reactivity Table.” AInotes. https://ainotes.wikispaces.com/file/view/Allergen+Cross+Reactivity+Table.pdf
Did You Know?
Kochia is also called “burning bush” for its reddish-purple color.
