Tumbleweed. Slender Russian Thistle

Salsola collina

Physical Characteristics

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.

Distribution

E. Europe to E. Asia.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Young leaves and stems - cooked[105]. An emergency food, it is only used when all else fails[177].

Medicinal Uses

Hypotensive A tea decocted from the whole plant is drunk twice daily for 6 months as a cure for high blood pressure[218].

Known Hazards

None known