Eleven states have declared this species a noxious weed. It's an invasive pest species on the shores of rivers, lakes, and irrigation canals in arid regions of the US, from Texas to North Dakota and west to California. There it forms impenetrable thickets, and increases the salt content of the soil. According to BONAP, it has naturalized in 30 states.
It is also a problem on the Atlantic coast of some southeastern states. It doesn't seem to be a problem in the northeastern US.
The foliage is feathery and graceful. The winter appearance is scraggly.
As an ornamental, it's best cut back hard annually like a buddleia---regrowth is fast and vigorous, and bloom occurs on new growth. It sometimes needs staking for support, as the root system often isn't strong enough mechanically to hold the top growth upright.
This plant is listed on the North Dakota invasive/troublesome list and this information is being distributed in a guide developed by the ...Read MoreND Weed Control Association and other agencies.
Plant Features
Perennial, up to 30 feet tall
Evergreen/cedar-like shrub or small tree
Loses all of it's leaves in the fall
Leaves soft, scale-like, turn yellow/reddish before dropping in late fall
Bark is scaly and reddish on older plants, smooth and reddish on younger plants
Large stout taproot with a slender upright or branched trunk
Flowers abundant, white to pink, 5 petals, located on the ends of branches
Blooms May through September
Spreads by plant fragments and pepper size/like seed
Distribution:
Widespread invasive found in ornamental landscape plantings and in moist areas (waterways, shorelines, etc.)
Interesting Facts:
May transpire up to 200 gallons of water daily
Suppresses growth of other plants by excreting salt (increases soil salinity).
Roots known to reach 50 foot depths.
A single plant may produce over half-million seeds per year
Josephine, Arlington, TX (Zone 8a) | December 2006 | negative
Saltcedar, Salt Cedar, Five-stamen Tamarix, Tamarisk Tamarix ramosissima is naturalized in Texas and other States and is considered an in...Read Morevasive noxious plant in Texas.
Woodland Park, CO (Zone 4b) | November 2004 | negative
Colorado Class B Noxious Weed. Mandatory eradication in Jackson, Montrose and San Miguel counties as well as all counties in the San Lui...Read Mores Valley watershed.
Oklahoma City, OK (Zone 7a) | August 2002 | neutral
Saltcedar is a long-lived (50-100 years), dense, deciduous shrub or tree 6 to 26 feet. Seeds are not viable for more than a few weeks. ...Read MoreSeedlings grow slowly and require saturated soils throughout the first 2 to 4 weeks of growth. They will not survive more than 1 day without moist soil.
The World Conservation Union has included this species in their list of 100 of the world's worst invasive species, one of only 32 terrest...Read More
beautiful invasive exotic which should not be planted. It destroys native plant habitat and valuable riparian areas.
This plant is listed on the North Dakota invasive/troublesome list and this information is being distributed in a guide developed by the ...Read More
Saltcedar, Salt Cedar, Five-stamen Tamarix, Tamarisk Tamarix ramosissima is naturalized in Texas and other States and is considered an in...Read More
Colorado Class B Noxious Weed. Mandatory eradication in Jackson, Montrose and San Miguel counties as well as all counties in the San Lui...Read More
Saltcedar is a long-lived (50-100 years), dense, deciduous shrub or tree 6 to 26 feet. Seeds are not viable for more than a few weeks. ...Read More