When you imagine an old western film, a tumbleweed or two blowing around in the background might come to mind. Many people associate tumbleweeds with an American desert landscape, but these annoying yet charming balls of prickly weeds actually came to the USA from Eurasia.
Tumbleweeds, also known as the Russian thistle (Salsola tragus), originated in Eurasia and were introduced to North America in the late 19th century. They were likely brought over accidentally in grain shipments or as seeds in contaminated soil.
Once in the U.S., they thrived in the dry conditions of the West. Their ability to break off at the base and roll with the wind helps them spread seeds over large areas, contributing to their rapid proliferation.
I love the way tumbleweeds look as they bounce along a desolate desert road, but they can be a nuisance to deal with up close.Here are some fun tumbleweed facts:
-Tumbleweeds start as upright plants but become brittle as they dry out, breaking off at the base when fully mature
-Large accumulations of tumbleweeds can block roads, driveways, and pathways, creating hazards for vehicles and pedestrians.
-When dried out, tumbleweeds are highly flammable. They can contribute to the spread of wildfires, especially during dry, windy conditions.
-In some cultures, tumbleweeds are associated with good luck, while in others, they symbolize misfortune or desolation.
See also: Wild video of Utah town being overtaken by tumbleweeds burying cars and blocking homes
