Family: Amaranthaceae
prickly Russian thistle, Russian thistle, tumbleweed
[Salsola australis R.Br., more... ]
Etymology: Salsola: from Latin salsus for "salty"
Plants: erect, annual, 1'- 2 1/2' tall forb with many branches; stems hardening in time, breaking and tumbling with the wind
Leaves: very long and thin
Flowers: greenish, 5-parted, small, no petals; inflorescence of 1 to a few flowers in the upper leaf axils; blooms July-Oct.
Fruits: 5-lobed, papery, cup-shaped, prickly
Habitat: dry; disturbed sites; in sandy soil
Conservation Status: Introduced - naturalized
Plants: erect, annual, 1'- 2 1/2' tall forb with many branches; stems hardening in time, breaking and tumbling with the wind
Leaves: very long and thin
Flowers: greenish, 5-parted, small, no petals; inflorescence of 1 to a few flowers in the upper leaf axils; blooms July-Oct.
Fruits: 5-lobed, papery, cup-shaped, prickly
Habitat: dry; disturbed sites; in sandy soil
Conservation Status: Introduced - naturalized
Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Wetland Indicator = FACU USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos