Tree of the Week: November 19, 2024

ArborNote’s Tree of the Week is the Saltcedar (Tamarix ramosissima). It is a rapidly growing small tree that is native to Eurasia and Asia. It was introduced to North America as an ornamental plant in the 1800s. The plant’s pale pink flowers, salt tolerance, and hardiness made it desirable. Those same characteristics contribute to its extreme invasive qualities. Saltcedar has been invading natural habitats in western states, especially in riparian areas where it spreads quickly along the edges of lakes, streams, and rivers. Not only can saltcedar alter natural habitats by impeding stream channels, but it also develops a deep taproot to access groundwater. Once established, saltcedar can utilize 200 gallons of water a day per plant, lowering the water table.The plant’s common name refers to its ability to tolerate salt water by excreting salt into its leaves through specialized salt glands — thereby producing salt deposits which kill other species; these salt deposits can also weaken binding in soil clays, leading to increased erosion. Saltcedar control and eradication programs are being conducted throughout the western U.S. In most cases, the goal is to preserve or recover sensitive areas, but Saltcedar is very difficult to control because it thrives on disturbance. Cutting or burning will only make it resprout more vigorously. Controlling this invasive species is no simple task!