Kochia

Q: My family used to grow kochia in Tennessee to landscape fences and make rows, all sorts of stuff. I want to use it here in Georgia as well. I have not seen it in local nurseries. Do you have any sources?

A: Like English ivy and wisteria, kochia is an ornamental plant that has escaped and become a weed in many parts of the United States. Seeds are sold in several on-line places (do a Web search using the word “kochia”) but I’d recommend you not plant it.

The Georgia Exotic Pest Plant Council works to inform gardeners and nursery owners about the invasive potential of many plants. Kochia is not on their list yet but you can prevent its appearance by avoiding its planting. The GEPPC Web site lists many other plants with aggressive natures you should shun.