Common Name(s): | Chinese salt cedar, Chinese tamarisk, Salt cedar |
Scientific Name: | Tamarix spp. |
Family: | Tamaricaceae |
Growth Traits: | Introduced, perennial, warm season |
Description: A shrubby plant or tree common along our streams and rivers. It is highly invasive and can out-compete native plants. Chinese salt cedar has leaves that are small and scale-like with white and pink flowers. It is a highly prolific seed producer that can tolerate salt and has a high rate of evapotranspiration. Some birds nest in it, but it is mostly
undesirable for wildlife because it displaces more desirable plants. |
Chemical Control Options: Imazapyr or triclopyr. |
Mechanical Control Options: Cutting is ineffective due to rhizomatic growth. |
Biological Control Options: Mediterranean tamarisk beetle and northern tamarisk beetle provide some control. |