Komarov Russian thistle
Salsola komarovii
Family: Amaranthaceae
What it is like
An annual herb. It grows 20-50 cm tall. The stems are erect and branched from the base. The branches are spreading and yellow-green. The leaves are alternate and spreading. They are 2-5 cm long by 2-3 mm wide.
Also put in the family Chenopodiaceae.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows on beaches and sandy soils along rivers. It grows in salt marshes.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, China, Japan, Korea, Russia, Siberia
How it is used for food
The young leaves are used as a potherb. They are put in soups. They are used as a seasoned dressing.
It is a commercially cultivated vegetable.
Edible parts
Leaves, seeds, vegetable
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Oka-hijiki