How To Remove Russian Thistle

Russian thistle thrives in desert environments.

A common broadleaf weed, Russian thistle (tumbleweed) prefers salty soil and grows to heights of 4 feet. Brought to the United States in 1870, Russian thistle commonly rolls down desert roads and open fields. Young Russian thistle plants exhibit bright green, grass-like shoots that produce red or purple striped flowers. However, the mature Russian thistle plant bears little resemblance to its younger version. Looking more like a skeleton of a shrub, the adult Russian thistle eventually separates from its roots at the soil line, leaving it free to roll around and scatter its seeds. Considered invasive, several methods of removal will help end the lifecycle of Russian thistle.

Things You'll Need

• Thick leather work gloves
• Lawnmower
• Hoe or spade
• Rototiller
• Herbicides

Instructions

1. Pull the Russian thistle out of the ground, along with the roots. Wear a thick pair of leather work gloves that the prickly spikes of the Russian thistle can't penetrate.

2. Mow over the Russian thistle with your lawn mower. Although this remedy may take a few cuttings before the weeds die, it should eventually work. The continuous cutting of the leaves of the Russian thistle plant deprives it of its ability to perform photosynthesis, eventually killing the plant.

3. Dig the Russian thistle up with a hoe or sharp spade. A hoe or a spade can help break up the soil, so that you can get closer to the roots and dig them out.

4. Remove larger amounts of Russian thistle with a rototiller. The action of the rototiller blades works to pull the Russian thistles out of the ground, roots and all.

5. Apply an herbicide to the area that contains the Russian thistle. Spray on a selective herbicide according to label instructions to kill Russian thistle that is already growing. Apply a preemergent herbicide before the growing season to prevent seeds from germinating and growing into new Russian thistle plants.

Tips & Warnings

• Wetting the ground with the spray from a garden hose will help to soften it, making it easier to pull the Russian thistle plants out of the soil by hand.

• Do not apply a herbicide without wearing protective eyewear and gloves to protect your hands.

References

• Spokane County: Russian Thistle
• Desert USA: Tumbleweed
• New Mexico State University: Management and restoration of areas infested with Russian thistle and Kochia

Resources

• All About Lawns: How Do I Get Rid of Weeds