Tamarisk

(Tamarix Chinensis)

Photos

Mature plant

R9f512b75abd7e1ec2960d65e5051a10f

Flower / seed head

Purpl Loosestrife

Leaves

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Large Infestation

1624021

Background

Tamarisk is a deciduous shrub or small tree from Eurasia. Tamarisk was brought to the untied states as an ornamental plant and was later used as a wind break and to stabilize river banks. Tamarisk grows in dense, nearly impenetrable thickets, tamarisk can consume up to 200 gallons of water a day, it is also a fire threat.

Description

Tamarisk can grow up to 25 feet tall, its leaves are scale-like and alternate with salt secreting glands. Tamarisk has small petals that are pinkish, or white. each plant can produce as many as 500,000 seeds annually.

Control

Bio-control works well with the salt cedar leaf beetle. Mowing works with fair success when trees are small enough. Herbicide can work well when treating with a follow up treatment for a couple of years.