Bassia scoparia is a large annual herb in the family Amaranthaceae (sensu lato) native to Eurasia.

It has been introduced to many parts of North America,[1] where it is found in grassland, prairie, and desert shrub ecosystems.

[8] Bassia scoparia is native to a region ranging from Central Europe to Asia and is now widespread throughout the world.

[10] It has been suggested as an agent of phytoremediation,[10] because it is a hyperaccumulator of chromium, lead, mercury, selenium, silver, zinc,[11] and uranium.

[19] Livestock ingesting large amounts can experience weight loss, hyperbilirubinemia, photosensitization, and polyuria.

[22] Medieval Japanese legend has it that this broom tree would disappear from sight whenever approached, and Sakanoue no Korenori wrote a waka poem alluding to this myth.