Russian Thistle (Salsola Tragus) is a annual herb in the Amaranthaceae family with easy care difficulty. It requires low watering and full sun light in USDA hardiness zones 3-10. This plant is toxic to cats and dogs — keep it out of reach of pets.

A highly branched, annual herbaceous plant known for its spiny appearance and iconic tumbleweed behavior.

Russian Thistle

Russian Thistle

Salsola Tragus

A highly branched, annual herbaceous plant known for its spiny appearance and iconic tumbleweed behavior.

Quick Facts

Type
herb
Lifecycle
annual
Care Difficulty
Easy
Water Needs
Low
Light
Full Sun
Hardiness Zones
3-10

Safety

⚠️
Not Pet Safe
⚠️
Not Child Safe
☠️
Toxic

Growing Conditions

Soil Types:sandy, loamy, gravelly, saline
Indoor:No
Outdoor:Yes

Care Calendar

Monthly care tasks for 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

Russian Thistle
Russian Thistle detail

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Taxonomy

Family:Amaranthaceae
Genus:Salsola