Neokochia californica
Mojave red sage, California Molly
(c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Chenopodiaceae · Type: Subshrub · Native
Neokochia californica (Mojave red sage) is a native California subshrub in the Chenopodiaceae family.
Mojave red sage is a California native perennial found in southern San Joaquin Valley and desert mountain areas in alkaline soil flats at elevations below 1,000 meters. Flowering from May to September, this plant produces small flowers in compact axillary clusters. Growing 20 to 60 centimeters tall with erect, densely gray or brown-puberulent stems that branch throughout, it has a root-sprouting habit. Its leaves are narrow, 3 to 12 millimeters long and 1 to 3 millimeters wide, generally flat and fleshy with a silvery appressed silky texture. The plant develops small fruits less than 3 millimeters wide with calyx lobes densely covered in short hairs.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species (N. americana). Key differentiators: elevation range, plant height, leaf spacing, stem branching pattern
Habitat and range
Habitat: Alkaline soils, flats
Elevation: < 1000 m
California counties: Los Angeles, Kern, San Bernardino, Inyo, Fresno, Madera
Outside California: southern Nevada
Bloom period
Neokochia californica blooms May-Sep.
Frequently asked questions
Is Neokochia californica native to California?
Yes. Neokochia californica is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Neokochia californica bloom?
Neokochia californica blooms May-Sep.
Where in California does Neokochia californica grow?
Neokochia californica occurs in Los Angeles, Kern, San Bernardino, Inyo, Fresno, Madera, at elevations of < 1000 m.
What plant family does Neokochia californica belong to?
Neokochia californica is in the Chenopodiaceae family, genus Neokochia.
What habitat does Neokochia californica grow in?
Neokochia californica grows in Alkaline soils, flats.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.