slender Russian thistle
(Salsola collina)
This species is Introduced in the United States
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.
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Invasive Listing Sources
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Plantae |
| Phylum: Magnoliophyta |
| Class: Magnoliopsida |
| Superorder: Caryophyllanae |
| Order: Caryophyllales |
| Family: Amaranthaceae |
| Genus: Salsola |
| Salsola collina |
References
Common Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
Scientific Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.