Tamarisk parviflora

Non-standard names: Salt Cedar

Background: Tamarisk was introduced from Eurasia.

Identification: This aggressive riparian weed is a deciduous (sometimes evergreen) shrub or small tree that grows 5 to 20 feet tall. The stems are reddish-brown in color and even as saplings, have bark on them. Leaves on the tamarisk are small and scale-like, like those of juniper or cedar. They appear on highly branched and slender stems. The flowers are pink to white and are 5-petaled. Another type of tamarisk is the smallflower tamarisk (T. parvifora D.C.) Smallflower tamarisk is similar in appearance as the salt cedar but has 4-petaled flowers with brown to deep purple bark on its stems. Smallflower tamarisk was introduced from Southern Europe and is also widespread.

Distribution: Both species of tamarisk are widespread throughout the U.S. Both were initially used as ornamentals but have escaped cultivation and are most common along streams, canals, and reservoirs in the West. These plants are very invasive in riparian areas and displace native vegetation by competing intensely for ground water. Plants that develop on stream banks can inhibit the flow of the stream, exacerbating local flooding problems and causing property damage.

Control: Contact local pest control advisor.

Photos by: James Reveal for Texas A & M University Bioinformatics Working Group