Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Saltcedar, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide

Stem

  • Shrub or small tree; multiple large stems arise from root crown; up to 20 ft. tall, highly branched with reddish-brown bark; leaves turn yellow to red in autumn
Photo of saltcedar

Leaves

  • Alternate; deciduous; green to blue-green, small (0.06-0.14 in. long), oval to lance-shaped, overlapping and scale-like
Photo of saltcedar

Flower

  • Tiny with 5 white to pink petals; arranged in finger-like clusters at the tips of branches
Photo of saltcedar

Root

  • Deep taproot with creeping roots
Photo of saltcedar

Other

  • Often found along edges of waterways, lakes and ponds; known to occur throughout Nevada
  • Perennial; reproduces by seed, roots and stem fragments
  • High concentration of salt in fallen leaves can impact growth of other plants
  • Also known as tamarisk
Photo of saltcedar

Control

  • Cutting, digging or burning MUST be combined with a chemical application to be effective
  • An insect biological control agent is available
  • Apply imazapyr to actively growing foliage during flowering; glyphosate, imazapyr or triclopyr as a cut stump or basal bark treatment

Learn more about the author(s)

Anne R. Lindsay
Anne R. Lindsay
 

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