Weed of the Week

8-11-08

Russian Thistle, Salsola iberica

                 

Photo credits: Utah State University, Range Plants of Utah

 Characteristics:

Family: Chenopodiaceae (Goosefoot family)

Origin: Native to Russia

Description:

• Rounded bushy annual

• 1/2 - 3 feet in height

• Reproduces by seed

Stems:

• Red or purple striped

Flowers:

• Inconspicuous green flowers

• Born at axils of the upper leaves

Leaves:

• Alternate

• First set are long and threadlike

• Later leaves short, scale-like and tipped with a spine

 

Additional information:

Russian thistle spreads as a tumbleweed after drying and breaking off at the base.  It is one of the most prolific seeders and has rapid seed germination and establishment even with limited amounts of precipitation.  For this reason it is one of the most common weeds in arid regions.  It is well adapted to arid regions and is a common and troublesome weed in dry-land agriculture.

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