Invasive Species Council of Manitoba
Saltcedar
Tamarix spp.
It is believed that as many as eight tamarisk species were introduced in the U.S. from Asia for their ornamental values, use in wind breaks or to stabilize eroding stream banks.
An ISCM Fact Sheet about saltcedar is available in PDF format.
Description - Saltcedar
General: Saltcedar is a deciduous, loosely branched shrub or small tree.
Leaves: The leaves are rhombic to ovate, sharply pointed to gradually tapering, and 0.5 - 3.0 mm long. The margins of the leaves are thin, dry and membranaceous.
Stem: Loosely branched woody stem.
Flowers: Flowers are whitish or pinkish and borne on slender racemes about 25 cm long. They are most abundant between April and August, but may be found any time of the year. Petals are usually retained on the fruit.
Seed/Fruit: Saltcedar produces massive quantities of small seeds that can complete germination within 24 hours following contact with water. New plants can also be produced vegetatively. Seeds are wind dispersed and also float on water germinating along sandbars and riverbanks.
Habitat
Saltcedar has become established in flood plains, riparian areas, wetlands and lake margins in the western United States. Saltcedar has also been found growing in dirt stock tanks, railroad rights-of-way, parks, and upland situations.
Dispersal
Dispersal occurs via wind and down river rafting of seeds. Accidental transport can occur with recreational vehicles, tractors, recreational boating and anglers. Ornamental plantings all serve as dispersal mechanisms. Some of the largest infestations are the result of escapes from urban plantings possibly from the ornamental "Pink Cascade".
Impacts
Saltcedar invasions displace native plants, trees and wildlife. In some areas as much as 80% of the total cover consists of saltcedar. This has led to dramatic declines in native woody and herbaceous plant composition and abundance.
Saltcedar's extremely high water usage lowers water tables to levels that can be below the root zone of native trees. It also excretes excess salts through leaf glands, killing plants that are intolerant of saline soils.
It is anticipated that saltcedar will cause significant economic damage through lost ecosystem function.
Management
Saltcedar invasions displace native plants, trees and wildlife. In some areas as much as 80% of the total cover consists of saltcedar. This has led to dramatic declines in native woody and herbaceous plant composition and abundance.
Saltcedar's extremely high water usage lowers water tables to levels that can be below the root zone of native trees. It also excretes excess salts through leaf glands, killing plants that are intolerant of saline soils.
It is anticipated that saltcedar will cause significant economic damage through lost ecosystem function.
Control Methods
Once saltcedar is established it is difficult to control and almost impossible to eradicate. The most successful management method reported involves integrating root ploughing and burning combined with repeated herbicide treatments on re-growth. Mechanical methods including mowing, chaining, ripping, and bulldozing have not been successful.
A classical biological control program against saltcedar has been initiated and shows some potential.
Resources
Back to Aquatic Invasive Species List
CURRENT NEWS:
Information below for the Public regarding the recent national media attention on the invasive plant Giant Hogweed and the current status in Manitoba.
See ISCM's 5 NEW! Aquatic Invasive Species Fact Sheets available for download below. In partnership with Manitoba Water Stewardship. Funding was provided by the Fisheries Enhancement Fund.
These maps display survey results from Manitoba Weed Supervisors on the presence of invasive species in the municipalities they work in.
A list compiled by ISCM of non-native garden plants to avoid because they are considered invasive in Manitoba. Suggested native or non-invasive alternatives are provided.
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