Linnaeus originally described the species as Salsola tragus; it is native to Eurasia, but in the 1870s, it appeared in South Dakota when flaxseed from Russia turned out to be contaminated with Salsola seeds. Although it is the … See more

Reproduction and dispersal
The plant becomes woody as the fruits develop. As they ripen, the plant begins to die, dries out and becomes brittle. In that state the base of the … See more

The plant is considered edible when young, and the young shoots can be harvested and eaten. As the plant matures, it becomes … See more

Salsola tragus is a ruderal annual forb. It germinates rapidly even in very small amounts of moisture in arid conditions. When young it may be grazed freely, but that phase lasts for only a brief period, and generally at a time when other forage is relatively plentiful. … See more

Salsola tragus is an annual forb. In habit, the young plant is erect, but it grows into a rounded clump of branched, tangled stems, each one up to about a metre long. Depending on the plant's genetics and condition, the leaves and stems may be green, red, or … See more

Such considerations have led some workers to recommend that the plant be actively exploited for its very attractive merits. Frustratingly … See more

One of the unwelcome attributes of Salsola tragus is that it commonly presents a fire hazard, firstly because it is flammable once it is … See more