Kochia scoparia (L.) A.J. Scott
Description from Invasive.org
Mexican fireweed is an annual weed that grows to 4 ft. (1.2m) tall. Leaves are gray-green, alternate, entire, ¼ - 2 ½ in. (5-60mm) long, up to ½ in. (10mm) wide and usually covered with small hairs. The upper leaves are sometimes glabrous. Flowering occurs in July to October. Flowers are apetaloid, sessile, inconspicuous and occur along spikes. The fruits are utricles that contain one flattened, 0.1 in. (2 mm) wide seed. Mexican fireweed is a native of Eurasia and occurs along roadsides, fields, and other disturbed places. In the winter, when the plants senesce, the plant breaks off at the base and tumbles in the wind, effectively spreading its seeds.
Resources
- Weed of the Week - USDA Forest Service