ENVS 605
Tamarisk
Tamarix app.
What is it?
Tamarisk or Salt Cedar as it is known, are the common terms given to dozens of species in the Tamarix family. The different species are similar and can be difficult to identify. This has been made more challenging in the Gunnison Basin by localized crossbreeding. Tamarisk plants are generally seen as a large shrub or even a small tree. They inhabit riparian areas where water is abundant. Their physical appearance are characterized by smooth long slender branches of reddish brown color. The plant loses its scale-like leaves in the winter to be replaced by radiant pink or white flowers in the spring. An individual plant can produce several hundred thousand seeds that are then distributed by wind and water.
Why is it a problem?
Tamarisk was introduced from Asia as an ornamental shrub and windbreak in the 1930’s. It was first planted in the Great Plains region as a shade buffer, and spread rapidly from there. Tamarisk plants are highly competitive and very invasive in riparian communities. They have a great tolerance for degraded conditions and protracted droughts, even more so than most native species. Also, due to the number of seeds and the way they are distributed, Tamarisk can spread rapidly. They have deeper root systems that out compete other species. They also impound salt in their leaves that can make surrounding soil conditions adversely salty to other species. The result, in areas they favor, is a dense thicket of Tamarisk that supports less biodiversity than the native communities that they replace.
Management Techniques:
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Cutting, pulling or otherwise manual removal of plant.
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Herbicides can be used and are most effective on a stump once the plant has been cut down. Aerial spraying of herbicides has been used in areas of heavy concentrations.
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Biological controls such as the Northern Tamarisk Beetle (Diorhabda carinulata) have been shown to be effective.
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Land management practices such as controlling flood regime have shown success in reducing Tamarisk density that allows other vegetation to get established.
What we can do:
While not yet widespread in the Upper Gunnison Basin, isolated spots have been identified. So, follow local guidelines to treat any known areas, as quickly as possible after being identified.
The goal is to prevent the plant from really taking root, so please be mindful while traveling throughout the Gunnison Basin, to not spread Tamarisk from one location to another via hiking boots, personal belongings or transport. Report any sightings of Tamarisk on public lands to appropriate agency.
Entities working on this invasive in the Gunnison Basin:
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PDF, the NCPN Phase III Report Appendix E from 2004 looks at the status of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Tamarisk are mentioned on page 40 and 41 as being an invasive plant known to occur within the park boudries.
General Information on Tamarisk:
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Link to a Forest Service website that provides a comprehensive look at tamarisk including distribution, characteristics, and management.
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This PDF looks at Tamarisk or Salt Cedar from many different angles. From distribution to ecological role, and history of control efforts to the potential economic value of Tamarisk.
Natural Resource Conservation Service
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PDF, Looking at management efforts in Colorado.
Natural Resource Conservation Service
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Website that gives basic information on the distribution, legal status, and links
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PDF, This is Webinar titled "Removal and Treatment Options for Tamarisk Invasion",
Colorado Weed Management Association
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Website that gives basic information about Tamarisk and considerations for Colorado, including state wide distribution.
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This is a website that has many links to Tamarisk in the western U.S.
