RUSSIAN THISTLE - Salsola iberica

Sennen Chenopodiaceae - (Goosefoot family)

A rounded, bushy, much branched annual, 1/2 to 3 feet tall, reproducing by seed. Stems are usually red or  purple striped. Leaves are alternate; the first are long, string-like and soft, with later leaves short, scale-like and tipped with a stiff spine. Inconspicuous green flowers are borne in axils of upper leaves, each flower accompanied by a pair of spiny bracts.

Seeds are spread as mature plants break off at ground level and are scattered by the wind as tumbleweeds. Rapid germination and seedling establishment occur after only brief and limited amounts of precipitation. Since Russian thistle was introduced (from Russia) in the late 1800's, it has become one of the most common and troublesome weeds in the drier regions of the U.S. It is well adapted to cultivated dryland agriculture, but is also found on disturbed wastelands, over-grazed rangeland, and even some irrigated cropland.  Barbwire Russian thistle (S. paulsenii Litv.) is similar in overall appearance but is generally more coarse and robust, with broader and more rigid spine-tipped leaves.

Russian thistle synonyms include: S. kali L., S. kali L. var.  tenuifolia  Tausch, S. kali L. var. ruthenica (Iljin) Soo, and S. pesitfer A. Nels.

(Courtesy of Weeds of the West)

Control Strategies coming soon.

NOTE: All Pesticide application recommendations are based on label directions and experience with these products in Fremont County Wyoming. However, labels change from time to time. Ultimately it is the responsibility of the applicator to insure the pesticide application is made within the directions on the current product label. If you are unsure of, or have questions concerning treatment method or a chemical usage please consult your local Weed & Pest office, or a licensed professional.