Tamarisk native and invasive ranges

Tamarisk can be classified into three species: Tamarix aphylla, T. parviflora, and T. ramosissima. On some continents, it is reported as an invasive species since it crowds native vegetation out.

Here are a few maps that show the distribution of Tamarix across the planet. Also included is how to report sightings of this invasive plant.

Invasive Tamarisk & native range

Native to – Asia, Mediterranean and North Africa (depending on the species)

Invasive in – Australia, United States, South Africa, Canada, Mexico, Argentina

What is the native range of tamarisk?

Tamarisk is native to Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Here is a map that shows where it grows naturally in the wild. The green area marks the native growing area of each tamarisk species.

On other continents, Tamarix is extremely invasive. It produces tens of thousands of seeds per plant every year, and they germinate fast. Within two or three decades, it can transform the local environment and wipe other plants out.

Common salt cedar, Tamarix ramosissima

Native range: Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, China, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Mongolia, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan

Smallflower tamarisk, Tamarix parviflora

Native range: Albania, Croatia, Greece, Israel, Macedonia, Slovenia, Turkey

Desert Tamarisk, Tamarix aphylla

Native range: Afghanistan, Algeria, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, India, Iran, Kenya, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Somalia, Sudan, Tunisia, Yemen

Where has tamarisk spread so far?

In the United States

This map shows reports of tamarisk throughout the United States. Every county where the plant has been reported is marked in green. It’s updated thanks to the Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System (University of Georgia).

• If you notice any in your area, you can report it to them here.

In Canada

In British Columbia, there are already reports of tamarisk.

If you notice one as you walk around, report it to Canadian wildlife agencies here.

Canada also set up a program together with horticulture stores and landscapers. It’s called “Plantwise“. Together, they wrote up a list of excellent shrubs that you can replace tamarisk with:

• Smoke bush (Cotinus coggygria)
• Preston Lilac (Syringa x prestoniae)
• Birchleaf spirea (Spiraea betulifolia subsp. lucida)
• Pacific ninebark (Physocarpus capitatus)
• Rocky mountain juniper (Juniperus scopulorum)

Which US states regulate Tamarisk?

Currently, only a few states have laws that prohibit or restrict planting and sale of this tree. Others are currently studying the risk that this plant poses. This translates into having the plant on a “watch list” of possible invasive species.

• Even if Tamarix isn’t yet illegal in your state, you might want to join in on local efforts to control it.
• Some states are still considering making laws. You can try and change things yourself by getting involved! Contact your local governor’s office or representative.

Here is a map, also updated daily, that shows the current legal status of Tamarisk or saltcedar in the United States.