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
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
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