Bassia hyssopifolia, commonly known as five-horn smotherweed or five-hook bassia, is an annual herb that is native to the steppes and semi-deserts of Central Asia and Eastern Europe. It typically grows up to 1 meter tall and is adapted to thrive in alkaline and saline soils, often found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and overgrazed pastures. The plant has a bushy growth form with narrow, gray-green leaves and small, inconspicuous greenish flowers that bloom in late summer. The fruits are distinctive with five horn-like protrusions.

Five-horn smotherweed is not commonly cultivated due to its invasive nature outside its native range, particularly in North and South America and Australia. It is known for its ability to tolerate and even thrive in poor soil conditions, which makes it a concern for natural habitats where it can outcompete native vegetation. In regions where it is not invasive, it may be used for soil stabilization or as a curiosity in a xeriscape garden due to its unique appearance and low water requirements. It prefers full sun exposure and can handle a variety of soil types, provided they are well-drained. Gardeners should be cautious with this plant due to its potential to spread aggressively.CC BY-SA 4.0