Book 16, Question 66
Why Does a Tumbleweed Roll Across the Land?
A tumbleweed rolls across the land to spread its seeds far and wide! When the plant dries, it breaks off and the wind rolls it along. Every bump shakes out more seeds.
More fun facts
- Tumbleweeds start out rooted in the soil.
- When they are fully grown, they break off in strong wind.
- As they roll, they scatter their seeds far and wide.
- Tumbleweeds were first identified in the American West in 1880.
- They spread quickly along roads, ditches and railroad tracks, and even hid in grain shipments.
Sources: National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, National Geographic
Questions kids ask
Why do tumbleweeds roll?
When they are fully grown, they break off in strong wind. As they roll, they scatter their seeds far and wide.