Some Common Plants of Upper Newport Bay

Russian Thistle  (Salsola tragus)
Plant: A bushy densely branched annual that usually breaks off at the ground when dry to become a tumble weed.  A single plant can produce 20,000 to 50,000 seeds that are scattered as it tumbles.
Flowers:  Small flowers appear all along the stems. 
Leaf:  Young leaves are 1 inch long, narrow and pointed. 
Flowering period:   May to November
Can be found here: Indian Springs, Back Bay Dr.
Native Plant: No Halophyte: No
Family Name: Goosefoot
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Date: 3/3/2003