KOCHIA, Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad. 1, entire plant; 2, individual flower; 3, seeds. Annual, reproducing from seeds. Stems smooth, green, much branched, from a few inches to over 6 feet (1.8 m) high, growing from a taproot. Leaves alternate, simple, hairy, 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) long, pointed, without petioles. Flowers small, greenish, without petals, in axils of upper leaves and in terminal panicles. Seeds about 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) long, oval, flattened with groove on each side, finely granular, surface dull, brown with yellow markings. Fragile star-shaped hull may enclose seed. Found in cropland, dry pastures, and rangeland, where it is a serious weed. Also commonly known as Mexican fireweed.