Also known as Common Saltwort · Prickly Glasswort · Prickly Russian Thistle
Russian Thistle (Salsola kali) is an annual weed with a bushy, sprawling habit that forms a "tumbleweed." It has sharp, needle-like leaves and can be invasive.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Drought-tolerant
25% intensity
Allow soil to dry completely between waterings. Avoid overwatering.
Well-drained, sandy, loamy, clay
50% intensity
Warm Tolerant
75% intensity
Thrives in warm to hot temperatures. Frost sensitive.
Not Required
0% intensity
Does not need fertilization; thrives in poor soils.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water Russian Thistle sparingly once established, as it is highly drought-tolerant. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, especially in poorly draining soils.
Focus on deep, infrequent watering if supplemental water is needed.
Pruning is typically not necessary for Russian Thistle, as it is an annual weed. If removal is desired, it is best to pull the entire plant before it sets seed.
Pruning can encourage branching and seed production if not done carefully.
Russian Thistle primarily propagates through seeds. Each plant can produce thousands of seeds that can remain viable in the soil for many years.
Manual removal of the entire plant before seed set is the most effective method of control.
Repotting is not applicable to Russian Thistle, as it is an annual plant that grows in the ground and is typically considered a weed. It is not cultivated as a potted plant.
If found in a container, it should be removed and discarded.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Russian Thistle (Salsola kali)
Where Russian Thistle (Salsola kali) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Genus | Salsola |
| Species | Salsola kali |
Similar in genus Salsola
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
