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Russian Thistle
(Salsola tragus/S. australis) Commonly known as tumbleweed, this pest is becoming more prominent in the California Sierra foothill region. This native of Russia was introduced in the 1800's and adapts well to dryland pastures and roadsides. They spread the seeds when the mature plant dries up and the wind moves the dried plant tumbling to a new location. The plants harbor insects that are detrimental to vegetable and field crops. The main insect is the beet leafhopper that transmits the curly top virus that also attacks ornamentals and commercial crops. |