Bassia prostrata

(c) Alexey Zyryanov, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Alexey Zyryanov via iNaturalist

Species

Forage Kochia

Bassia prostrata

Forage Kochia is a drought-tolerant perennial with a bushy form and grayish-green leaves, ideal for arid landscapes.

Also known as: Forage Kochia

Bassia prostrata, commonly known as Forage Kochia, is a perennial plant native to the arid regions of Central Asia, particularly in countries like Kazakhstan and Mongolia. This species typically grows to a height of 1 to 3 feet, forming a dense, bushy habit that can spread laterally, making it an effective ground cover in dry landscapes. The leaves are narrow, linear, and often have a grayish-green hue, which helps reduce water loss through transpiration. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are not particularly showy but are important for local pollinators. Its fruit is a small, dry capsule containing seeds that are dispersed by wind and animals, contributing to its spread in suitable habitats.

Care Guide

🌱 Hardiness Zone
Zone 5–9
🪨 Soil
Well-draining, loamy to sandy
☀️ Light
Full sun to partial shade
💧 Water
Moderate, drought-tolerant once established
🌿 Fertilization
Minimal, if any, needed

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Browse This Plant's Classification

Domain Eukaryota
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Magnoliophyta
Class Magnoliopsida
Order Caryophyllales
Family Chenopodiaceae
Genus Bassia
Species Bassia prostrata