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Forage Kochia

Kochia prostrata

Introduced Perennial Subshrub, Seed Code: KOPR

• Seeds per pound: 407,000
• Plant Height: 1-3 Feet
• Planting Rate: 3-5 PLS lbs per Acre
• Precipitation requirements: 6 Inches Minimum
• Best time to plant: Winter
• Root System: Taproot

Also known as Immigrant Kochia or Prostrate Summer Cypress. AKA Bassia prostrata

Kochia is a long lived, semi-evergreen half-shrub introduced from Russia. It that averages 1 to 3 feet tall at maturity, and germinates quickly in late February. It may live 10 to 15 years, developing an extensive root system, with a taproot up to 16 feet long. Stems grow from a low woody base. The upper stems turn reddish brown and dry up after seed shatter. The lower stems stay green and succulent year-round and are favored as a high protein forage for livestock in mid-late winter months.

Forage kochia often occurs in areas with high alkalinity. It is well adapted to a wider range of soils, including fine- to coarse-textured, shallow- to deep-gravelly to stony, and saline to alkaline. It seems to grow best on heavy textured soils. It is not well adapted to neutral or acidic soils. It sprouts and regrows after burning. Forage kochia does not tolerate flooding or soil with a water table.

Forage kochia has been seeded to improve plant community diversity, aesthetics, plant cover species richness, forage for livestock and wildlife, fire prevention, and soil stability. It suppresses or eliminates the invasion of alien annual weeds like cheatgrass, halogeton, Russian thistle, and medusahead rye. It is not highly invasive and does not spread aggressively into healthy plant communities. It does not compete well with perennial grasses.

Since Forage Kochia remains green and succulent into the winter months, it is highly sought after in "green stripping" for fire breaks. For best germination results plant in the cold months of the year when snow is present.

Source Identified lots available.

Price (per Pound):$17.50