Tumbleweed. Slender Russian Thistle
Salsola collina
Family: Chenopodiaceae
What it is like
Salsola collina is a ANNUAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Sandy places, steppe plant communities and a weed of cultivated fields.
E. Europe to E. Asia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Young leaves and stems - cooked. An emergency food, it is only used when all else fails.
Medicine
Rating: 1
A tea decocted from the whole plant is drunk twice daily for 6 months as a cure for high blood pressure.
Hypotensive: Reduces blood pressure, it is used in the treatment of high blood pressure
Other
Rating: 0
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Requires a very sunny position in a light or medium well-drained soil, it tolerates salty soils, occasional inundation by salt water and maritime exposure. Succeeds in poor soils and grows more vigorously on alkaline soils.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in situ. The seed has a short viability and should be stored cool over the winter.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist