Monster Tumbleweeds Roll Along, Despite Herbicide Battle

There are few images as iconic to the American West as a lonely tumbleweed rolling through a dusty street in some desolate one-horse town.

In reality, many cities and towns are working hard to relegate this symbol of the West to the pages of history as well.

Tumbleweeds encompass several types of invasive species that can damage native ecosystems, farms, and property. Now, according to researchers, a much larger hybrid species could prove even harder to control with current measures like spraying herbicides or mowing.

“Salsola ryanii is a nasty species replacing other nasty species of tumbleweed in the U.S.,” ...