Tumbleweed. Slender Russian Thistle (Salsola collina)

Family: Chenopodiaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young leaves and stems - cooked. An emergency food, it is only used when all else fails. — Young leaves and stems - cooked.; An emergency food, it is only used when all else fails.

Habitat & North American Range

Sandy places, steppe plant communities and a weed of cultivated fields. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)