Saltcedar (State designated weed)

Saltcedar (State designated weed)

• Tamarix ramosissima
• Tamaricaceae (Tamarisk family)

Saltcedar, also called tamarisk, was introduced from Eurasia and is now widespread in the U.S. Small flower tamarisk, similar in appearance, was also introduced from southern Europe and is also widespread. Both species are used as ornamentals but have invaded along streambanks, canals and reservoirs in much of the West.

Growth Habit: Evergreen shrub or small tree, 5 to 20 feet tall, spreads by seed.

Leaves: Small scale-like, resemble cedars, salty residue collects on foliage.

Stems: Numerous, slender, upright and highly branched, smooth reddish brown bark, become furrowed and ridged with age.

Flowers: Pink to white, five-petaled and borne in fingerlike clusters.

Other: Each plant may produce up to 500,000 tiny seeds that are easily borne by the wind. Tamarisk seeds initially need moist habitat. More mature roots absorb large amounts of water and tend to dehydrate the soil.

Status: State Designated Noxious Weed, Category 3 Fremont County. Regional. No tolerance of further spread, control and management of current infestations and aggressive control in areas otherwise free of these weeds.

Control: Mechanical and chemical controls can be effective. The saltcedar leaf beetle, a biological control, has demonstrated some effectiveness in Fremont County. FCWP offers a 40 percent Cost Share on chemicals for controlling this species, limited to available funding. Contact your local weed and pest office for further treatment recommendations.

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