Fauna
Plant

Saltcedar

Tamarix ramosissima

Also known as Tamarisk, Salt Cedar, Pink Tamarisk, Five-Stamen Tamarisk

Saltcedar dominates arid and semi-arid riverbanks across both its native Eurasian range and introduced habitats, using vigorous taproots that tap deeply into alluvial water tables. Its feathery scale-like leaves excrete absorbed mineral salts, creating a saline ground layer that effectively prevents native seeds from germinating. Dense spires of tiny pink flowers bloom profusely throughout spring and summer, creating billowy pink thickets along arid waterways.

InvasiveDrought-TolerantDeciduous
Saltcedar reference1 / 7
(c) Oscar Alejandro Morales Juárez, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyPhotosynthetic autotroph
Predators
  • Northern tamarisk beetle
  • Domestic goat
  • Desert bighorn sheep
ThreatsBiological control beetles, herbicide treatments, and mechanical removal
HabitatsRiparian corridors, desert washes, wetlands, and saline floodplains
Life span50–100 years
Classification
  1. OrderCaryophyllales
  2. FamilyTamaricaceae
  3. GenusTamarix
  4. SpeciesTamarix ramosissima
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Identification: Examine the slender, reddish-brown branches covered in tiny, scale-like leaves and feathery pink flower plumes.
  • Management reporting: Document and report wild stands in sensitive desert riparian corridors to local river conservancy groups.
Related species
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…