Tamarix spp.
Description
- Native to Northern Europe and temperate and tropical Asia.
- Deciduous shrub/small tree
- Introduced to the western United Statesin the 1800s for ornamental use
- Foliage is bright green in summer. Leaves are diamond-shaped and scaly, resembling the leaves of a cedar tree. Leaves turn orange in the fall.
- White-pink flowers grow in long clusters.
- Grows especially well in fine-textured soils but can tolerate other soil conditions.
- Shade intolerant.
- Mainly found in riparian areas.
- Reproduces by primarily by seed, but vegetative reproduction through fragmented roots or branches is also possible.
- Produces 600,000 seeds per plant per year.
- Recorded sites in Nelson, Trail and Montrose.
Consequences of invasion
- Creates deep taproots which can access groundwater and uptake vast amounts of water.
- This plant can interfere with the water cycle and increase the frequency, intensity and effect of fires and floods.
- Invades streambanks, lakeshores and wetlands.
- Crowds out native species such as willows and red osier dogwood.
Management options
- Mechanical removal can be difficult since the plant can reproduce from small fragments
- Chemical treatments are rarely suitable for this plant since it grows in riparian areas.
- Select a non-invasive alternatives to invasive plants, see the PlantWise guide for informed purchases.
- Avoid accidentally introducing non-native plants to surrounding water bodies by installing water gardens a safe distance away. Ensure water gardens are not allowed to overflow to wetlands, streams or rivers.
- Properly dispose of garden and yard waste by double bagging and disposing of it at your local landfill.
- Prevent plants from spreading from existing populations by washing vehicles, boots and animals that have been in infested areas.
- Report plants infestations found in remote locations.
Status in the CKISS region
- Salt cedar is classified as Insufficient Information on the CKISS Annual Priority List.
- Insufficient information is available regarding the distribution, impacts, potential for spread and/or feasibility of control within the CKISS region.
- CKISS conducts education regarding this species, and may recommend or conduct targeted inventories or risk assessments.
- To learn more about how CKISS classifies and manages invasive species, see our Invasive Species Priority Lists page.