slender Russian thistle USDA PLANTS Symbol: SACO8
U.S. Nativity: Exotic
Habit: Forbs/Herbs
Salsola collina Pallas

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Taxonomic Rank: Magnoliopsida: Caryophyllales: Chenopodiaceae
Synonym(s): Russian thistle, slender Russian-thistle, spineless Russian thistle
Native Range: temp. & trop. Asia, Europe (GRIN)

Appearance
Salsola collina is an erect annual forb. It is a round, bushy, much-branched plant growing 1-3.5 ft. (0.3-1.1 m) high.
Foliage
The branches are slender and soft when young, woody when mature. The leaves are alternate. The first ones start off being dark green, soft, slender, and 1-2.5 in. (2.5-6.4 cm) long.
Flowers
Flowers are small, green-white or pink in color.
Fruits
About 30 seeds are produced per seed head.
Ecological Threat
Salsola collina can threaten native plant ecosystems. This species can reduce yield and quality of numerous agricultural crops. She depletes soil moisture, interferes with tillage operations, and serves as a shelter or food source to many insects, vertebrate pests, and crop diseases. Salsola collina is native to eastern Europe and eastern Asia.

Identification, Biology, Control and Management Resources

Selected Images from Invasive.orgView All Images at Invasive.org


Plant(s); habitat
Robert Vidéki, Doronicum Kft., Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage

Plant(s); habitat
Robert Vidéki, Doronicum Kft., Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage

Foliage; sprout
Robert Vidéki, Doronicum Kft., Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage

Foliage;
Robert Vidéki, Doronicum Kft., Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage

EDDMapS Distribution:
This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts and records obtained from USDA Plants Database. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
 


State List
This map identifies those states that list this species on their invasive species list or law.

U.S. National Parks where reported invasive:
Rocky Mountains National Park (Colorado)
Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming)



Invasive Listing Sources:
Jil M. Swearingen, Survey of invasive plants occurring on National Park Service lands, 2000-2007
WeedUS - Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States