Prickly Russian Thistle
Salsola tragus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
WY
Pollinators
beetles, flies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Russian thistle is a tumbling weed that forms rounded, bushy plants with small inconspicuous flowers. This invasive annual breaks off at ground level in fall and rolls across the landscape, spreading seeds widely. It thrives in poor, dry soils and disturbed areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
Prickly Russian Thistle takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
- Invasive weed species prohibited in most areas
- Forms tumbleweeds that create maintenance issues
- Generally considered undesirable in landscaping
Wildlife value
Provides some late-season nectar for beetles and flies during summer blooming. However, as an invasive species, it offers limited ecological value compared to native alternatives.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Prickly Russian Thistle fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.