Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Saltcedar (Tamarix ramosissima) - High Risk

Species that are considered high risk have a well-documented history of invasiveness in at least one location globally, and a high or medium climate match to the contiguous United States.

Saltcedar (Tamarix ramosissima) is a semi-deciduous shrub native to parts of Eastern Europe and Asia. It has been used as an ornamental and the wood has been used for various purposes including as fuel and for firewood. Tamarix ramosissima are tolerant of flooding and saline substrates. They have salt glands on the leaves that will excrete the excess salt which will then ‘rain’ onto the substrate below the plant. The history of invasiveness is classified as High. It has been introduced around the world as an ornamental, to create windbreaks, or to prevent erosion. This species has become established in many countries, including across the western half of the United States. This species, when introduced, has initiated a number of hydrological and ecological changes including reductions in plant and animal biodiversity, replacement of native riparian riparian
Definition of riparian habitat or riparian areas.

Learn more about riparian trees, and altering bank structure structure
Something temporarily or permanently constructed, built, or placed; and constructed of natural or manufactured parts including, but not limited to, a building, shed, cabin, porch, bridge, walkway, stair steps, sign, landing, platform, dock, rack, fence, telecommunication device, antennae, fish cleaning table, satellite dish/mount, or well head.

Learn more about structure and geomorphological processes. The climate match for T. ramosissima is very high. There are few areas that had a medium match, mainly in northern areas, and even fewer locations of low match. The certainty of assessment is high. There is a large body of peer-reviewed literature about the species and its invasion history in the United States. The overall risk assessment category is high.