Saltcedar is native to eastern Europe and temperate regions of Asia. It is considered a serious
invasive species over much of its North American range. It prefers riverbanks and brackish soils
that are well drained, and full sunlight, at elevations below 1.3 mi (2.1 km). Bushes live for up to 100 years.
Plants: This deciduous shrub is 15-20′ (4.6-6.1 m) high. On
young shrubs, bark is smooth and reddish. Older plants have brown and furrowed bark.
Plant roots extend up to 30′ (9.1 m) down to reach water tables.
Leaves: Scale-like, gray-green, leaves are ½″ (1.5 cm) long
× 1/32″ (1 mm) wide, overlapping
along branches. The foliage strongly resembles that of cedar, hence the name “saltcedar,” but the
species are not related.
Flowers: Flowers appear on multiply branched linear
spikes. Spikes are ¾-1¾″ (2-5 cm) long. Individual flowers are pink, about 1/32″ (1.5 mm) across, with 5 petals.
Fruits: Capsules are pinkish red to greenish yellow, 1/16-⅛″ (3-4 mm) long,
and contain numerous seeds less
than 1/32″ (0.5 mm) in size.