Salt Cedar

Tamarix Ramosissima

This invasive, commonly known as tamarisk, can grow from 6 to 26 feet tall. Between March and  September it blooms small pink or white flower buds. Orgininally introduced in the early 1800’s as an ornamental plant, the tamarisk shrub has become a big problem along Utah’s water ways.

The plant reproduces through its seeds and root system. Annually each shrub can produce up to 600,000 seeds, and its root system can grow 30 feet deep or more. Its growth often overtakes native vegetation. It uses large amounts of water that are eventually lost to evaporation. The tamarisk deep root system slows river flow.

Removal of the tamarisk is very difficult as it does not respond to burning or flooding. Usually it is removed using herbicides, also by beetle introduction.

To learn more visit http://extension.usu.edu/rangeplants/htm/saltcedar/