Characteristics of Halogeton
• Annual; reproduces by seed
• Leaves are small, blue-green, cylindrical, fleshy, ending with a solitary hair-like spine
• Stems reddish to purple
• Early stages of growth resemble Russian thistle
• Flowers are green and inconspicuous and appear June-September
• Turns reddish-yellow later in the summer
• Taproot can reach depths of 20 inches and secondary roots can spread 18 inches laterally
• Produces two types of seed
• Grows well in arid and semi-arid soils or clays
Negative Impacts
• Toxic to livestock, especially sheep and cattle
• Prolific seed producer that easily invades disturbed areas
• Makes changes to soil composition that reduces native seed germination rates
• Can quickly re-establish after a fire event
Management Strategies
• Preventing seed production of this annual species in critical. Pulling and tilling can be a very effective control method for this shallow-rooted annual. Mechanical control is easiest when plants are seedlings
• Chemical control is effective while weeds are actively growing. For a list of suggested herbicide active ingredients for Halogeton control, please refer to the 2025 CSU Herbicide Recommendations