I had a call from a representitive from our Dept. of Hwys in BC, asking if I could identify this weed growing along the side of Hwy 91. They were concerned that it may be Knapweed of some sort. It looks like Knapweed from a distance and even up close at first glance, but it doesn't seem to have the same bracket to flower from, nor does it have any of the lower leaves from it's early rosette stage? I've searched like 400 plant pics and can't find anyone that truley resembles it. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Jim S.
I do not believe that it is Salsola kali, but if the leaves are hard and spiny then I am wrong. The plant does not look like this, however, and the leaves are just too thin. This might some kind of plant from the Chenopodiaceae family even though I might be mistaken, but I might rather have a look at genera like Bassia, Kochia or Corispermum even though these do not seem to be usual near the coast either. Unfortunately I cannot see much of the flowers or fruits.
Sorry about the poor pics of a half dead plant. It seems this plant is Russian thistle. And yes the leaves are some what hard and spiney. The plants you mentioned sure are very similar, I can see where your suggestions come from. Thanks. This semms to be the culprit though " http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/info_russianthistle.htm ". Thanks again Jim.
Hi Jim, with this kind of leaves I agree with Russian thistle. I got it here in Germany as well on sandy soils and I still think it looks rather different from your plants (see e. g. my image http://www.flogaus-faust.de/e/salskal0.htm). This is a subspecies that commonly grows on sanddunes far from the sea. But the species is fairly variable and the Vancouver area is very far away. Thanks for correcting me! Robert.
Hi Robert, it's funny you say it grows in sand dunes. Because as a matter of fact this weed is growing in straight river sand used to pre-load a site where a new bridge is being constructed, there is no soil at all. And, that pic you just posted is what this weed is starting to look like as it ages. So thanks to your info and Ab's, I'm pretty sure it is Russian thistle. Now I don't think is a common problem around the urban areas of the city, but I have noticed it in a few other below sea level area's where sand pre-load is used prior to development. I think it is more commonly found in the much dryer areas of BC like in the Nicola Valley ranch lands. Thank you so much, Jim
