Is Prickly Russian Thistle safe for pets?

Yes, Prickly Russian Thistle (Salsola Australis) is considered safe for cats and dogs.

Is Prickly Russian Thistle easy to care for?

Prickly Russian Thistle has a easy care difficulty rating. It requires drought-tolerant watering and full_sun light.

Can Prickly Russian Thistle grow indoors?

Prickly Russian Thistle is primarily an outdoor plant and may not thrive indoors without specialized conditions.

Prickly Russian Thistle (Salsola Australis) is a annual herb in the Chenopodiaceae family with easy care difficulty. It requires drought-tolerant watering and full sun light in USDA hardiness zones 4-10. This plant is safe for cats and dogs.

Salsola australis is an annual herbaceous plant, sometimes becoming woody at the base as it matures, known commonly as Russian Thistle.

Last updated: February 2026

Prickly Russian Thistle

Salsola Australis

Salsola australis is an annual herbaceous plant, sometimes becoming woody at the base as it matures, known commonly as Russian Thistle.

Quick Facts

Type

herb

Lifecycle

annual

Care Difficulty

Easy

Water Needs

drought-tolerant

Light

Full Sun

Hardiness Zones

4-10

Safety

🐕

Pet Safe

👶

Child Safe

✅

Non-Toxic

Growing Conditions

Soil Types:sandy, loamy, saline

Indoor:No

Outdoor:Yes

Garden Use:groundcover, erosion control

Care Calendar

Monthly care tasks for Prickly Russian Thistle

Jan

Prune

Feb

Fertilize

Mar

Repot

Apr

Water+

May

...

Jun

...

Jul

...

Aug

...

Sep

...

Oct

...

Nov

...

Dec

...

Expert Care Tips

Pro tips from botanists and plant experts

Watering Tip

Check soil moisture by inserting your finger 1 inch deep. Water only when the top layer feels dry to prevent overwatering.

Humidity Trick

Group plants together to create...

Growth Hack

Rotate your plant every...

Photo Gallery10+ photos

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Taxonomy

Family:Chenopodiaceae

Genus:Salsola