The tumbleweed, also known as the Russian Thistle, came to the prairies of the United States in the late 1870’s. It found its way here in grains and seeds imported from Russia. The Mennonites imported the tumbleweed in flax seed in 1877 to South Dakota.The tumbleweed first sprouted in Bon Homme County, South Dakota.Some people believe the Mennonites brought the tumbleweed deliberately, due to the discriminating way they had been treated.he Mennonites imported the tumbleweed in flax seed in 1877 to South Dakota. The tumbleweed first sprouted in Bon Homme County, South Dakota. Some people believe the Mennonites brought the tumbleweed deliberately, due to the discriminating way they had been treated.