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Kochia (Kochia scoparia)

Kochia, a member of the Goosefoot family, was introduced from Europe and is an annual, reproducing by seed. The stems are erect, round, slender, pale green, much branched, and 1 to 6 feet high. Leaves are narrow, bright green, hairy, numerous and are attached directly to the stem. The upper leaves are narrow. The flowers are inconspicuous in the axils of upper leaves. Seeds are about 1/16 inch long, wedgeshaped, dull brown, and slightly ribbed.

Kochia can be found in cultivated fields, roadsides, and waste places throughout the state, up to 8,500 feet. It has become a major problem on roadsides, waste places, and noncultivated fields. In autumn the plants may become red and later turn brown, breaking away from the root, and tumbling over the ground scattering large amounts of seed.

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