Forage Kochia: A Hardy Ground Cover for Challenging Sites
If you’re dealing with a tough spot in your landscape where nothing seems to thrive, forage kochia (Bassia prostrata) might catch your attention. This low-growing perennial shrub has earned a reputation as a survivor in some of the harshest growing conditions the American West has to offer.
What is Forage Kochia?
Forage kochia is a small, mat-forming shrub that rarely grows taller than 1.5 feet, with most plants staying well under that height. Its grayish-green leaves are covered in fine hairs that give the plant a somewhat silvery appearance, creating an interesting textural element in the landscape. You might also see it referred to by its scientific synonyms, including Kochia prostrata.
Originally hailing from the steppes and semi-arid regions of Eurasia, this hardy little plant has made itself at home across much of the western United States. It’s currently found growing wild in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming.
The Good, The Bad, and The Practical
Let’s be honest about forage kochia – it’s not going to win any beauty contests. This isn’t a plant you choose for showy flowers or stunning fall color. What it lacks in visual pizzazz, though, it makes up for in sheer determination and usefulness.
Where Forage Kochia Shines:
- Erosion control on slopes and difficult sites
- Ground cover in areas with poor, alkaline soils
- Low-maintenance landscaping in arid regions
- Restoration projects in semi-arid environments
Consider the Drawbacks:
- Non-native species that can spread and establish on its own
- Limited aesthetic appeal
- Minimal benefits for pollinators and wildlife
- Can potentially compete with native vegetation
Growing Conditions and Care
If you decide forage kochia fits your needs, you’ll find it refreshingly easy to grow. This plant thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4-8 and actually prefers the challenging conditions that make other plants struggle.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
- Full sun exposure
- Well-draining soils (clay, sand, or rocky soils all work)
- Alkaline pH tolerance
- Low to moderate water requirements
- Tolerance for temperature extremes
Planting and Care Tips:
- Start from seed in spring or fall
- Provide regular water during establishment (first growing season)
- Once established, water deeply but infrequently
- No fertilization needed – this plant actually prefers lean soils
- Minimal pruning required
Should You Plant Forage Kochia?
The decision really comes down to your specific situation and values as a gardener. If you’re dealing with a severely degraded site where erosion is a concern and native options have failed, forage kochia can be a practical solution. It’s particularly useful for large-scale restoration projects or industrial sites where the primary goal is stabilizing soil.
However, if you’re passionate about supporting native ecosystems and local wildlife, you might want to explore native alternatives first. Consider native bunch grasses like blue grama or buffalo grass, native shrubs like four-wing saltbush, or other regionally appropriate plants that provide similar erosion control benefits while supporting local pollinators and wildlife.
The Bottom Line
Forage kochia is a tool rather than a treasure – useful in specific situations but not necessarily the first choice for most home gardens. If you do choose to plant it, source your seeds responsibly and be mindful of its potential to spread beyond your intended planting area. Sometimes the most practical choice isn’t the most exciting one, and that’s perfectly okay in the world of gardening.
