(Tamaricaceae)

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Tamarisk, Salt Cedar (Tamarix)

Tamarisk (Salt Cedar, Saltcedar) is a series of introduced species that rapidly invade riparian areas. Given enough time and water, they grow into large trees; usually they occur as thickets of younger plants. Their feathery appearance and dark red bark make them easy to spot from a distance. The leaves are tiny scales on smaller branches. Tamarisk is widely viewed as a noxious species and millions have been spent to eradicate it, often with only short-term success.