Russian Thistle hails from Eurasia but has become naturalized globally. This plant is rightfully considered a weed due to its vigorous growth and ability to quickly take over new territories. The plant displays a high degree of resiliency, allowing it to thrive in rough environmental conditions, with particular successfulness in temperate areas. It reproduces prolifically via seeds, which are easily dispersed by wind, rapid growth, and a root system that can spread broadly. These qualities often lead to russian Thistle outcompeting local flora, leading to ecological imbalance and posing a serious threat to less resilient garden plants. Russian Thistle's rapid growth and ability to survive in poor, dry soils also increases its invasive capability. Finally, the dried parts of russian Thistle can become tumbleweeds, which just add to its ability of dispersal and invasion, making it harmful to gardens and a major menace to agricultural ecosystems globally.