Five-Stamen Tamarisk (Tamarix chinensis): Salt-Tolerant Shrub

Five-stamen tamarisk, or salt cedar, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to Asia, valued for its feathery foliage and pink flowers, but notorious as an invasive species in North American riparian areas.

Botanical Profile

Description and Features

This plant grows 10–20 feet tall with slender, reddish-brown branches and tiny, scale-like leaves. In spring to summer, it produces dense racemes of tiny pink to white flowers, giving a feathery, hazy appearance. It is highly salt-tolerant and drought-resistant.

Cultivation and Warning

While ornamental, Tamarix chinensis is listed as a noxious weed in many western US states due to its aggressive spread along waterways, displacing native vegetation and consuming large amounts of water. Planting is discouraged or prohibited in many areas. Sterile cultivars may be available.

Control

Mechanical removal, herbicides, and biological control (beetles) are used to manage infestations.