Bishop Field Office

Noxious Weeds


Russian thistle/tumbleweed  (Salsola tragus L.)

Goosefoot family (Chenopodiaceae) 

Photo of Russian thistle or tumbleweed

 

Weeds

GROWTH HABIT:Mediterranean annual shubshrub with simple to multi-branched stems.
LEAVES: 
Thread-like to subcylindric, generally becoming thick. Leaves are ridged and spine-tipped.         
FLOWERS:
Sepals 4-5, persistent and generally winged. Wings minutely toothed.
SEEDS:
Easily dispersed by fractured plant parts, in vehicle tires, road grading equipment and clothing.
KEY CHARACTERS:
  • Winged, minutely-toothed sepals.
  • Ball-like form.
DISTRIBUTION:
Along roadsides, within mineral material pits, and in numerous open, disturbed sites throughout Inyo and Mono Counties.