Description

Bassia Hyssopifolia, commonly known as the five-hook bassia, is a small, annual plant that belongs to the Chenopodiaceae family. This plant is native to North America and can be found in the western United States, Mexico, and Canada. It is commonly used as a forage plant for livestock, especially in arid regions. The plant has a distinctive branching pattern and can grow up to 60 cm tall. The stem is smooth and reddish-brown in color. The leaves are small, narrow, and have a grayish-green hue. Bassia Hyssopifolia blooms in the late summer, producing small, greenish flowers that are not very showy. The fruit is a small, round capsule that contains several tiny seeds.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukaryota
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Magnoliophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Caryophyllales
Family	Chenopodiaceae
Genus	Bassia

Appearance

Bassia Hyssopifolia is a small, bushy plant that can grow up to 60 cm tall. The stem is smooth and reddish-brown in color. The leaves are small, narrow, and have a grayish-green hue. Bassia Hyssopifolia blooms in the late summer, producing small, greenish flowers that are not very showy. The fruit is a small, round capsule that contains several tiny seeds.

Care Guide

Bassia Hyssopifolia is a hardy plant that requires little maintenance. It is drought-tolerant and can thrive in poor soil conditions. However, it does require adequate water and fertilization to grow to its full potential. The plant prefers well-drained soil and needs full sunlight to thrive. It can grow in hardiness zones 5-10.

Common Pests & Diseases

Bassia Hyssopifolia is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if planted in poorly drained soil. It can also be affected by spider mites and aphids, which can cause damage to the leaves and stems of the plant.

Habitat

Bassia Hyssopifolia is native to North America and can be found in the western United States, Mexico, and Canada. It grows in open, arid habitats, such as deserts, grasslands, and shrublands. It can tolerate a range of soil types and is often found in disturbed areas, such as roadsides and abandoned fields.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Bassia Hyssopifolia poisonous?

A: No, Bassia Hyssopifolia is not poisonous and is safe for humans and animals to consume.

Q: How do I propagate Bassia Hyssopifolia?

A: Bassia Hyssopifolia can be propagated from seed, which should be sown in the spring or fall. The plant can also self-seed and spread on its own.

Q: Can I grow Bassia Hyssopifolia in a container?

A: Yes, Bassia Hyssopifolia can be grown in a container as long as it has adequate sunlight, water, and soil.

Q: How often should I water Bassia Hyssopifolia?

A: Bassia Hyssopifolia is drought-tolerant but still requires regular watering. Water the plant once a week or when the soil feels dry to the touch.

Related Plants

• Bassia scoparia
• Bassia prostrata
• Bassia dasyphylla
• Bassia hirsuta

References

• USDA Plants Database. (2021). Bassia hyssopifolia (Pall. ex Moench) Kuntze. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=BAHY2
• Encyclopedia of Life. (n.d.). Bassia hyssopifolia. Retrieved from https://eol.org/pages/585950
• Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Bassia hyssopifolia. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286687