Russian thistle

noun

1. a saltwort, Salsola kali tenuifolia, that has narrow, spinelike leaves, a troublesome weed in the central and western U.S.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Russian thistle¹

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95

Example Sentences

Saturday’s tumbleweed takeover of South Jordan is not isolated, but it’s also not a fiendish plan by the invasive Russian thistle to conquer the western United States.

From Seattle Times

Tumbleweeds have been part of the American landscape for over a century, but the most widely known kind is actually an invasive species known as Russian thistle.

From New York Times

“Invasive plants including mustard and Russian thistle, for example, are being replaced by lupine, deer weed, evening primrose, buckwheat and California poppies.”

From Los Angeles Times

The exhibit includes an actual tumbleweed, or Russian thistle, a plant immigrants brought to South Dakota in 1873.

From Washington Times

He noted with dismay invasive plants left behind by overgrazing: tumbleweed, Russian thistle, cheatgrass.

From Los Angeles Times