History
Tamarisk, also known as saltcedar, was introduced to the western U.S. in the early 1800s as an ornamental shrub.
Biology
Saltcedar spreads by roots or submerged stems, and sexually. Each flower can produce thousands of tiny (1/25-inch diameter) seeds that
are contained in a small capsule usually adorned with a tuft of hair that aids in wind dispersal. Seeds can also be dispersed by water.
Seedlings require extended periods of soil saturation for establishment.
Ecology
Tamarisk is common in streams, waterways, bottomlands, banks and drainage washes of waterbodies, moist rangelands, and pastures. Tamarisk
can grow in highly saline soils and will tolerate alkaline conditions.
Impact
The long tap roots of the tamarisk intercept deep water tables and interfere with natural aquatic systems. Tamarisk will disrupt native
foliage and degrade native wildlife habitat by outcompeting and replacing native plant species as it gains a monopoly on usually limited
water resources. The tamarisk eventually becomes the dominant species and increases the possibility and severity of effects from floods
and fires. Tamarisk provides little food value for native wildlife species that require the nutrient-rich resources of native plants.
Control
The four main techniques used for management are biological, fire, mechanical, and chemical. A saltcedar clearing using a combination of
herbicide, burning, and mechanical control can cost from $750 to $1300/hectare. Research is currently underway for biological controls for
tamarisk.
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