Photo Details
September
12, 2004 - LeBarron
Point, Utah County, Utah - ©Nicky
Davis
Characteristics
Syn. Salt Cedar
An
invasive, noxious shrub/tree imported in 1823 as an ornamental shrub.
T. pentandra, T. tetranda, T. gallica, T. chinensis, T. ramosissima,
and
T. parvifolia, are distinguished by some authors while others consider
these shrubby plants as one variable species or hybridizing group best
designated by the single name T. pentandra . An aggressive plant
that replaces willows, cottonwoods, and other native riparian
vegetation.
The stems and leaves of mature plants secrete salt, forming a crust
above
and below ground that inhibits other plants and is also an enormous
water
consumer. A single large plant can absorb 200 gallons of water a day
whih
stresses native vegetation by lowering ground water levels and can also
dry up springs and marshy areas. Its infestations can also lead
to
flooding, as its extensive root system can choke stream beds.
Herbicides
are best for control, since they regrow when railed down from bits of
roots
and seeds. A cut-stump/herbicide method has also been used effectively
in southern California (Sudbrock 1993). This approach involves cutting
saltcedar as close to the ground surface as possible, then applying
herbicide
to the cut surface. Roundup (glyphosate) and Garlon 4 (triclopyr) have
been effective.
Infestations
have a detrimental impacts on wildlife. The seeds have almost no
protein
and are too small to be eaten by most animals. It's leaves have
little
suitable forage for browsing animals. Studies show it is not favored
bird
habitat. In their study of habitat use by birds along the lower
Colorado
River, Anderson and Ohmart (1977) found that it supported only four
species
per hundred acres, as opposed to 154 species per hundred acres of
native
vegetation.
source:
USDA
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