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forage kochia
Scientific Name: Bassia prostrata
Family: Chenopodiaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Subshrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Forage Kochia: A Versatile Plant for Rangelands
Forage kochia (Kochia prostrata) is a hardy plant with several common names including prostrate kochia, prostrate summer cypress, and summer cypress. It's known for its value as forage, particularly in arid and semiarid regions.
Considerations for Pets
- Forage kochia has potential use as a forage plant.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Kochia prostrata (L.) Schrad.
- Plant Symbol: KOPR80
- Synonyms: Bassia prostrata. Note that Bassia prostrata is sometimes used to refer to forage kochia but is considered a synonym.
- Belongs to the subfamily Camphorosmoideae of the family Amaranthaceae. It was formerly treated as part of Chenopodiaceae.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Eurasia.
- Adapted to temperate, semiarid regions of central Asia and the western United States.
- Found in arid and semiarid regions with mineral soils.
- Can be found at natural pastures in many places.
Ecological Role
- Considered a noninvasive species.
- Used in the western North America for restoration of severely disturbed areas.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Long-lived, perennial, semi-evergreen half-shrub.
- A small shrub with stems resembling a bouquet and narrow, light-green leaves.
- Snowstorm variety (Kochia prostrata ssp. grisea) can grow up to 30 inches tall.
- A perennial xerophyte and semi-shrubby plant.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Used as a forage source for beef cattle and sheep, particularly during fall and winter.
- Complements grasses by providing protein when grass protein levels are low (August to March).
Resources and Further Information
- USDA NRCS Idaho State Office.
- Utah State University seminar by Blair Waldron.