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Saltcedar

(Tamarix spp.)

Saltcedar

(2B, abundant in Montana and widespread in many counties, require eradication or containment where less abundant)

(Tamarix spp.)

Quick ID
  • Small pink or occasionally white flowers in narrow drooping clusters
  • Slender stems with scale-like leaves that resemble cedar
  • Thin reddish-brown bark that becomes furrowed and ridged with age
  • Large shrub to small tree
saltceder location map

Map Courtesy of Montana Natural Heritage Program, Saltcedar – Low Suitability: 14% of Montana, Moderate: 1%, Optimal: 1%. Larger image.

saltcedar tree in bloom
Saltcedar Tree

Video Information


Weed Images

Saltcedar plant
Saltcedar Flower
Saltcedar Leaf
Saltcedar Stem

Weed Specifications

Weed Info
Type Information
Toxicity Non-toxic
Best Management Practices Herbicide, promoting cottonwoods and willows to shade saltcedar
Habitat Near water bodies, in cottonwood and willow habitat, does best in full sun
Root Deep taproot and lateral roots that can reach 20’ in length, reproduces from seed and vegetative shoots
Leaves Alternate, scale-like, deciduous, salt-secreting glands on the undersides
Lifespan Long-lived perennial, 20 year life expectancy
Similar Looking Plants Rocky Mountain juniper, western redcedar
Important Information Forms dense thickets with limited usefulness for Montana animals, grow in highly saline soils and the secreted salt in their leaf litter can prevent establishment of other plants, one plant can produce half a million seeds, also known as tamarisk

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