Russian thistle is a member of the Goosefoot family. It was introduced from Russia and is an annual which reproduces by seed. The branches are slender, succulent when young, and woody when mature. The flowers are small, inconspicuous, green-white or pink, and are usually solitary in the leaf axils. A different species of Russian thistle, Salsola collina, is a problem in proso millet flelds west of Highway 85.
Current research shows the two species are identical in control efforts.
Russian thistle grows on dry plains, in cultivated fields, roadsides, and waste places, chiefly in grain-growing areas. At maturity, the plant breaks off at the base and because of its round shape becomes an excellent tumbleweed, scattering seeds for long distances. It is widespread over Colorado up to 8,500 feet. Any unauthorized duplication is strictly prohibited by existing copyright laws.