The Lone Star State's Most Iconic Invasive Plant

Prickly Russian Thistle/Picture by iNaturalist stock

By Mary Sirgo

Despite ongoing development in Texas that leaves many landscapes altered beyond recognition, a strong gust of wind and a tumbleweed can knock you back to reality. The infamous flora connects us to the Old West, reminding us of where we are and how we got here. But did you know this iconography of cowboy culture is one of the most prolific invasive species in North America, introduced seemingly by accident? In regions like West Texas, Salsola tragus, or Russian thistle, thrives because the climate closely matches the dry, semi-arid conditions of its native range in Europe and Central Asia. North American farmers were the first to notice the Amaranth variety in South Dakota in the 1870s. Seed, thought to have arrived in shipments of flaxseed imported from the then Russian Empire, thrived in the ploughed fields of the Great Plains. Infestations not only deterred future ploughing but also caused injury to farmers and livestock, resulting in millions of dollars in economic losses. A symbol of American resilience, it remains a cautionary tale for home gardeners today. As Texans face growing water challenges and crises, native plants have never been more relevant. While action at scale will be shaped by policy and led by industry professionals, hobbyist gardeners can contribute to the cause. That said, there should be room for creativity and experimentation in our backyard gardens, as long as we take a fully informed approach to avoid inadvertently setting off the next 150 years of ecological and economic challenges. When selecting plants, use the following terminology as a guide: Native: Plants that evolved naturally in a specific region over thousands of years. Adaptive: Plants that are not native but have learned to survive well in a new region without spreading aggressively. Introduced: Plants brought to a region intentionally or accidentally by humans. Naturalized: An introduced plant that has established itself in the wild and persists without human care. Invasive: A non-native plant that spreads aggressively and causes harm to ecosystems. Understanding where our plants come from helps us make intentional choices that honor both the land and our own curiosity as gardeners. With a shared language, we can experiment responsibly, protect what makes Texas landscapes resilient, and grow gardens that contribute to the future rather than complicate it. As you plan your garden, consider aligning your plant list with what works best in your region. Prioritize natives and adaptives. Use introduced and naturalized plants (in containers, if possible), and skip the invasive species altogether. You’ll save yourself the headache of managing invasive spread and give yourself the joy of pollinator visits to the native habitat you will have created. When sharing your garden wealth with your community, be extra cautious to ensure the seeds you share and receive are not contaminated with invasive species. Working together, we can share the responsibility of intentional gardening and land stewardship.

Mary Sirgo is a Permian Basin Master Gardener and conservation professional focused on native plants, ecological stewardship, and community-centered education in Texas. To connect with your local Master Gardeners and discuss your gardening questions, call the AgriLife office in Odessa at 498-4071 or in Midland at 686-4700. Additional information is available at westtexasgardening.org.