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SEASONAL IDENTIFICATION
RUSSIAN THISTLE (Salsola tragus)
SPRING
SUMMER
LATE
SUMMER
-
FALL
SPRING
&
SUMMER
SUMMER
FALL
-
WINTER
Russian thistle can be found growing in dry areas. Look for
a small, single-stemmed plant with sparse but prominent
lateral branches and small, needle-like leaves.
The flowers grow at the base of leaves on the stem.
The stem can vary in color from green to a purple-striped
appearance.
Tiny green seeds resemble shriveled flowers. Note that the
entire plant is attached to the tap root at one single point.
Russian thistle leaves are small, waxy, and narrow with a
single spine at the tip. Note the younger leaves have hairs
on the margin.
As Russian thistle matures, it develops a strong lateral
branch structure that contributes to its round form.
Russian thistle commonly breaks away from the root system
as part of its normal life cycle. Aided by wind, seeds readily
detach as the weed tumbles across the landscape.
