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Tamarisk (Saltcedar) (Tamarix ramosissima, parviflora)

 

Full grown tamariskGovernor Owens’ Executive Order on Tamarisk:
Visit this link http://www.ag.state.co.us/home.html to read the Colorado Governor's executive order regarding tamarisk on state lands.


Tamarisk (aka saltcedar) is widely considered to be one of the most severe invaders in the western U.S. Tamarisk was first introduced from southern Europe and Asia in the nineteenth century primarily as an ornamental and for erosion control. The loss of natural flooding due to human diversions and dams allows tamarisk to establish because it does not require a flood plain to facilitate germination like native riparian species such as plains cottonwoods. It is estimated that over 1,482,633 acres of tamarisk exist in southwestern U.S. riparian corridors.

The severity of the infestation does not lie primarily in the amount of tamarisk present, but rather on its phenological characteristics. Tamarisk reproduces by both seeds and roots, readily sprouts from stumps, and can self-pollinate. The seeds are light, can be blown several hundred feet, and readily germinate in saline soils. Seeds can stay viable either in soil or water for weeks. Additionally, seeds that are pushed down to the bottom of streams or standing water and submerged in an anaerobic environment can stay viable for decades. It has been concluded that a dense stand (cover >50%) of tamarisk will produce up to seventeen seeds per square centimeter per season.

Recent studies have shown that tamarisk transpiration rates are about the same as other herbaceous species. However, due to its density, water consumption is much greater in tamarisk stands. Additionally, tamarisk steals water from traditional riparian species by having deeper roots that get to groundwater first. Tamarisk secretes salt through its leaves, depositing it on the soil surface, allowing salt tolerant species to dominate the understory.  These species are often other noxious weeds such as perennial pepperweed. Tamarisk, like many other weedy species, is extremely difficult to destroy.

Tamarisk overtaking a streamDetail of a tamarisk leafTamarisk is the red-brown species overtaking this riparian corridor

Hover your mouse over the pictures to read the caption
Photos from Weeds of the West and Forest&Kim Starr (USGS)

Tamarisk Coalition
The Tamarisk Coalition is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization providing technical assistance and coordination for numerous state and federal agencies, private organizations, and landowners to begin the task of restoring riparian lands. Check out their website at http://www.tamariskcoalition.org/ for more information.

 

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