Salsola collina

Salsola collina, commonly known as the slender Russian thistle, tumbleweed, or Russian thistle, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Salsola.

Description

Salsola Collina is a round, bush-like annual forb that grows from high. While soft when young, as they mature the plants become woody. They are called Tumbleweeds due to their habit of breaking off when mature and tumbling when the wind blows. That behaviour helps spread its seeds, but can also be a hazard when blowing across roadways or accumulating along fence lines, hedges, or other obstructions.

Range

Salsola collina is native from Eastern Europe to Eastern Asia. It was introduced to the United States from Russia.

Habitat

Prefers sandy, dry soils such as found on plains, roadsides, cultivated fields, disturbed areas. It grows best in full sun and cannot grow in the shade.

Ecology

Salsola collina can be invasive and threaten native plants systems.