Russian thistle or rabbitbrush? - Ask Extension
I'm trying to remove nonnative plants from my property, but it can be difficult to tell the difference between native plant seedlings and invasive one...
Knowledgebase
Russian thistle or rabbitbrush? #833249
Asked June 01, 2023, 5:53 PM EDT
I'm trying to remove nonnative plants from my property, but it can be difficult to tell the difference between native plant seedlings and invasive ones. I have a bunch of tiny multi-branched seedlings that seem like they might be Russian thistle. Except I don't recall seeing mature plants nearby. They also look like rabbitbrush, which I have lots of. Is there a good way to tell the difference at this stage?
I'm near Carter Lake in SE Larimer County, at about 6500 feet.
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Andrea,
These both appear to be Russian thistle - rabbitbrush will have a far more extensive root system and you won't be able to pull it easily like these. Russian thistle is an annual and the roots (at this point) will not be very developed.
These both appear to be Russian thistle - rabbitbrush will have a far more extensive root system and you won't be able to pull it easily like these. Russian thistle is an annual and the roots (at this point) will not be very developed.
