Tamarix canariensis

Tamarix

Nonnative to Florida Invasive

Species Overview

Native to: Eurasia and Northern Africa

NOTE: Species classifications within this genus are not well understood. In addition to T. canariensis other species present in the U.S. are T. pentandra, T. tetranda, T. gallica, T. chinensis, T. ramosissima, and T. parvifolia. Some authors only recognize a single invasive species Tamarix pentandra while other others believe hybrid species are present in the U.S.

Tamarix, also known as saltcedar, was introduced to the United States in the 1800's as an ornamental plant for landscaping. It reportedly escaped cultivation in the 1870's and was considered a serious threat by the 1920's. It has infested over 1 million acres in the Western US dramatically altering biodiversity, hydrology, and fire regimes. While not a widespread problem in Florida it does present a threat and any occurrences should be reported in EDDMapS. The largest infestation is known from Duval County where it has colonized spoil sites along the St. Johns River. An eradication program for this population has been underway for over 10 years.

Species Characteristics

Family: Tamaricaceae

Habit: Large woody shrub to small tree, long tap and lateral roots.

Stems: Red, turning reddish brown with age. Eventually, bark thickens & furrows.

Leaves: Grey-green or bluish-green, minute and scale like, resembling Cedar. Typically encrusted with a fine layer of salt which can be tasted.

Flowers: Plumes of small pinkish to white flowers at the ends of branches.

Distribution in Florida: Franklin and Duval Counties.

Note: Similar appearance to dog fennel, especially when it is young. It can also be confused with salt bush and small/sparse-looking cedars.

Impacts

Tamarix can produce up to 1 million seeds per plant per year which are dispersed on wind, water, and machinery. They also reproduce vegetatively from root fragments. With their long tap roots and ability grow in conditions of high salinity, submergence, or drought, Tamarix has heavily colonized riparian areas of the Western US displacing cottonwoods, willows, and other native vegetation. Their leaves and stems secrete a high concentration of salt into the ground around them preventing growth and development of native plants. The seeds offer little nutrition for birds and according to Anderson and Omhart (1977) Tamarix only supports four species of birds while native plant species can support 154 species per one hundred acres. Tamarix also consumes large amounts of water which alters hydrological regimes and exacerbates water supply issues. It also increases the frequency of wildfire.

Control Methods

Preventive Measures

Do not plant. Thoroughly clean all equipment and gear after working or recreating in infested areas.

Cultural/Physical

Hand pull young plants. Tamarix seedlings do not compete well amongst other vegetation. Healthy stands of native vegetation can reduce recruitment rates.

Mechanical

Neither mowing nor burning effectively control Tamarix because the plants soon resprout from basal stem buds and regrow very rapidly.

Biological

A leaf beetle (Diorhabda elongata deserticola) has been released in the western US and has had success in reducing plant viability through intense defoliation in Texas, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada.

Chemical

Cut stump (50% to 100% undiluted triclopyr amine in water) OR (25 to 100% triclopyr ester in oil). Basal bark (20-30% triclopyr ester in oil) on young trees without well-developed bark.

Consult your local UF IFAS Extension Office for management recommendations.

Learn more about this species

UF IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas

Atlas of Florida Plants

EDDMapS: Tamarix spp. | Tamarix ramosissima | Tamarix canariensis 

USDA Plant Database: Tamarix spp. | Tamarix canariensis

Invasive Species Compendium: Tamarix ramosissima | Tamarix canariensis

National Invasive Species Information Center

FNAI Profile

Texas Invasive Species Institute