Submodule 5: Most Common Western Rangelands Weeds

Saltcedar

Saltcedar (Tamarix spp.) is a group of closely related species, each of which grows as a perennial shrub or tree and is generally between 5-20 ft (1.5-6 m) tall. Most species are deciduous. The bark on younger trees is smooth and reddish brown. As the plant ages, the bark becomes brownish-purple and furrowed. This plant is thought to be a cedar by some (hence the name), but it is actually a flowering plant, whereas true cedars have cones. Saltcedar has small, flat leaves that are typically green-grey and scaly. These leaves are about 1/16 in (.15 cm) long and overlap along the length of the branch. Branches are characteristically thin, bearing pink to white flowers on 2 in (5 cm) long spikes at the tips. Flowers can appear from March to September.

(photo courtesy usda.gov)