Portrait Of The Salt Cedar Stock Photo

The saltcedar is a spreading plant characterized as a shrub or tree with a height of 5-20 feet. The saltcedar tree is distinguished by petals and sepals arranged in groups of four or five with white to pale-pink coloring. Disagreements within this genus are based on classifications of characters. However, it is believed that approximately eight species of Tamarix are found in the United States. Saltcedar trees are aggressive plants known for consuming large amounts of water with a recorded amount of 200 gallons per day in Arizona. The amount of water consumed varies with water supply, but this behavior prevents surrounding native plants from receiving necessary amounts of water to sustain life. Saltcedar leaves and stems secrete a high concentration of salt into the ground around them preventing growth and development of native plants. Wildlife is also affected by the saltcedar due to a lack of protein found in the plant rendering it unfit for consumption. Many native birds also find the plant undesirable. According to Anderson and Omhart 1977 the saltcedar only supports four species of birds while native plant species can support 154 species per one hundred acres.