Contents
Description
Sphaerophysa Salsula, commonly known as Russian thistle, is an annual plant that belongs to the Amaranthaceae family. It is native to the dry regions of Asia and has been introduced to many parts of the world, including North America, Australia, and Europe. Russian thistle is a highly invasive plant that can quickly colonize new areas, especially disturbed areas such as roadsides, fields, and abandoned fields.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Genus | Sphaerophysa |
Appearance
Russian thistle is a bushy plant that can grow up to 1m in height. Its stems are green, slender, and highly branched, with small leaves that are grayish-green in color. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, and the fruit is a spiny capsule that contains many seeds.
Care Guide
Russian thistle is a hardy plant that can grow in a wide range of conditions. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure. It is drought-tolerant and can survive in low-fertility soils. Water: Russian thistle does not require much water and can survive long periods of drought. However, it will benefit from occasional watering during hot, dry weather.Fertilization: Russian thistle does not require fertilization.Soil: Russian thistle prefers well-drained soil but can tolerate poor soils.Sunlight: Russian thistle prefers full sun exposure.Hardiness Zones: Russian thistle can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Russian thistle is not typically affected by pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust.
Habitat
Russian thistle is native to the dry regions of Asia and has been introduced to many parts of the world, including North America, Australia, and Europe. It can grow in a wide range of habitats, including roadsides, fields, and abandoned fields.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Russian thistle an invasive species?
A: Yes, Russian thistle is considered an invasive species in many parts of the world.
Q: Can Russian thistle survive in poor soils?
A: Yes, Russian thistle can tolerate poor soils.
Q: What is the fruit of Russian thistle?
A: The fruit of Russian thistle is a spiny capsule that contains many seeds.
Q: Where is Russian thistle native to?
A: Russian thistle is native to the dry regions of Asia.
Related Plants
- Salsola kali
- Salsola tragus
- Salsola vermiculata
References
- https://www.invasiveplantatlas.org/subject.html?sub=6667
- https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/forb/sphsal/introductory.html
- https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=SPSA3
