Some Common Plants of Upper Newport Bay

Russian Thistle  (Salsola tragus)
Plant: A bushy densely branched annual. Seedling usually grows vertically, but falls over creating a 90º bend at the root crown. The stem resumes a vertical growth which produces another 90º bend in the main stem.  Due to the double 90º bend in the root it usually breaks off at the ground when dry to become a tumbleweed.  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: 8/20/2009