A tumbleweed is a plant that has developed to outlive within the harsh desert circumstances. It’s a member of the Amaranthaceae household and is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. Tumbleweeds are also referred to as Russian thistles or wind witches. They’re annual vegetation, that means they full their life cycle in a single 12 months. Tumbleweeds have a taproot that anchors them within the soil and a mass of above-ground stems that kind a spherical form. The stems are coated in small, sharp spines. When the tumbleweed is mature, it detaches from the basis and is blown away by the wind. Because it rolls, the seeds are dispersed.
Tumbleweeds are an vital a part of the desert ecosystem. They supply meals and shelter for wildlife, and their seeds assist to revegetate disturbed areas. Tumbleweeds can be a nuisance, as they will clog roads and fences and trigger respiratory issues for people and animals.