[Arid_gardener] RE: Salt Cedar

[Christine M. Bahto]

ORIGINAL QUESTION
Date: Tue, 17 Apr 2007 17:15:34 -0700 (MST)
From: darlenewhite at wbhsi.net

Darlene White
85248

HI - I am looking for help with a plant ID. A small (8')multi stemmed tree
planted itself in my back yard.  It has soft feathery flattened dark green
leaves which are similar to a  cedar, but far more delicate - no cedar
smell - and lots of pale lilac, large - 5-8" feathery bundles of floresences
which remind me of tiny heather.  I have searched all over the internet
trying to ID it and am frustrated.  I've taken a picture of the leaves and
flowers but have no where to send them.  My neighbour wants me to cut it
down...she says it is a weed.  Can you help with the ID ?  Darlene

ANSWER:

Darlene,

It sounds like you have a Tamarisk Tree, a.k.a Salt Cedar, growing in your
backyard. I know you might not want to believe this, but your neighbor is
right! The Salt Cedar is an extremely invasive, non-native plant that should
be removed before those flowers go to seed. The tree concentrates salt on
the surface of the soil and reduces the germination of native species.

For photos and more information go to
www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact/tama1.htm

Christine Bahto
Master Gardener, Maricopa County, U of A Cooperative Extension