Bassia Scoparia or Bassia Hyssopifolia - Ask Extension
I had heard Bassia Scoparia could be edible from foraging guides but was warned in the same guides that Bassia Hyssopifolia is not. Is this true? Mor...
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Bassia Scoparia or Bassia Hyssopifolia #842668
Asked July 26, 2023, 9:25 AM EDT
I had heard Bassia Scoparia could be edible from foraging guides but was warned in the same guides that Bassia Hyssopifolia is not. Is this true? More importantly, I have searched and cannot find any consistent or reputable sources to tell the difference between these two plants. How do I definitively tell the difference between Bassia Scoparia and Bassia Hyssopifolia in its different stages of growth? Is there a way to tell them apart?
Fremont County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi there,
Can you clarify what animals will be consuming the Bassia plants?
It is quite difficult to tell them apart. If you can grab flowers of the plants you will see that the bassia (kochia) scoparia has naked sepals. The bassia hyssopifolia has hairy sepals. Please use a hand lens or a microscope and refer to the labeled pictures in the attachments.
Can you clarify what animals will be consuming the Bassia plants?
It is quite difficult to tell them apart. If you can grab flowers of the plants you will see that the bassia (kochia) scoparia has naked sepals. The bassia hyssopifolia has hairy sepals. Please use a hand lens or a microscope and refer to the labeled pictures in the attachments.
I am unaware of the toxicity to humans when consuming this plant.
