[2] The species of genus Bassia are annuals or perennial subshrubs.

The seed contains an annular, horseshoe-shaped or folded embryo that surrounds the perisperm.

The fruiting perianth remains either unappendaged or develops 5 wings.

[1] According to its most recent description, the genus is defined by its three types of C4 "kochioid" leaf anatomy.

[2] Some species can be found in ruderal sites and salt marshes up to subalpine altitudes.

B. hirsuta is now the only member of genus Spirobassia, and B. sedoides is the monotypic Sedobassia.