Tamarix was introduced to the United States by landscapers in the 1820s because of its showy flower clusters and feathery appearance. It was also used for river bank stabilization and for windbreaks. By the 1870s the plant had escaped cultivation and was spreading rapidly. Long tap roots allow the plants to reach deep water tables and interfere with natural aquatic systems. Salt cedar disrupts the structure and stability of native plant communities and degrades native wildlife habitat by out-competing and replacing native plant species, monopolizing limited sources of moisture, and increasing the frequency, intensity and effect of fires and floods. It concentrates salt in its tissues which raises soil salinity when the plants die and decompose.
Salt Cedar is on the Texas Dept. of Agriculture’s list of Invasive Plants which are illegal to sell, distribute or import into Texas.
For information on how to eradicate this invasive, view our statement on herbicide use and preferred alternatives for invasive plants.
You can replace this invasive plant with native alternatives. Here are some plants that make superior replacements.
Match your location on the Texas map to the color squares on the replacement plants below to find suitable replacements for your ecoregion.
State Office Address:
Native Plant Society of Texas
PO Box 3017
Fredericksburg, TX 78624
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