 DESCRIPTION:
Also called S. iberica and S. kali. Exotic
(from Russia in 1870s) Annual to 4'. Flowers small, whitish, without petals,
and they grow at the base of upper leaves. After maturing, the flowers
enlarge, dry, and cover small fruit. Leaves age to become awl-shaped and
sharp to 2" long. Chenopodiaceae (Goosefoot) Family.
NATURAL HISTORY: Flowers bloom May to October. Plant dries into ball that
breaks off at base and blows in the wind (tumbleweed), scattering seeds.
Although called a thistle, it is not (thistles are in the Compositae/Sunflower
family). |
