The Russian Thistle, (Salsola tragus), is best known too many as the iconic “tumbling tumbleweed.” Ironically, it became a symbol of the American West, yet it is a non-native plant. Its origins are from eastern Russia. Some sources indicate it was accidentally introduced in 1873 by Russian emigrates to South Dakota. The seeds from the plant are initially disbursed by wind. It is believed that many a railroad stockcar were imbedded with seeds, that allowed for them to be scattered throughout the west.
By 1914, a major infestation plagued the Honey Lake and Long Valleys. Some blamed it on the newly constructed Fernley & Lassen Railroad for the outbreak. L.W. Boggs, the Lassen County Horticultural Commissioner started an all out “war” to eradicate it. Boggs September 1914 report to the Lassen County Board of Supervisors provided this insight:
“In continuing of my August report on the work of destroying the Russian Thistle, a public nuisance. I have to inform you that I have been clearing the county road from about two miles north of Milford to the Constantia Ranch at the southern end of Long Valley, a distance of about 32 miles. Along which road, the farmers have willingly complied with the law requiring them to destroy the same pest, where found growing on their lands. One or two absent owners have been communicated with and plans are underway for favorable work the coming season or as soon as possible. ..From correspondence with County Commissioners of other counties in California, I have been informed that it is very practicable to rid the land of this pest and feel very much gratified that I have been working along the lines they have been doing and in which manner they claim that in three years time the Russian Thistle can be destroyed. This, which by keeping the highways and railroad tracks cleaned up annually and adjacent farming lands cleaned by cultivating.”
In July 1916, Boggs reported the Russian Thistle have been eliminated by two-thirds. Just when it seemed victory was near, on the horizon something unanticipated derailed the fight. With World War I on the horizon in 1917, such work had to be put on hold, and after the War, the Russian Thistle was firmly established.
Am I right in thinking that there are at least fewer tumbleweeds these days? I recall them as very common, with big piles building up against fences, in the 1960s.