A shrubby deciduous tree growing from 5 to 20 feet. Usually forming dense clusters of trees. Very young trees are slender, red to russet and willowy rather like a whip. Mature trunks are deeply grooved and light to medium grey. Light to bright pink flowers appear from June through August. Mature trees can produce over 500,000 seeds per year. Fortunately they remain viable for just a few months. They can germinate within 24 hours, they usually require a soaking period and can actually germinate in water. Leaves appear cedar like, they are in no way related to the coniferous cedar. One mature tree can transpire over 100 gallons of water per day in the summer months. They are capable of reducing or eliminating above ground stream and spring flow adversely affecting wildlife.

Once established can be extremely difficult if not impossible to eradicate. Some success from burning and mechanical removal has been seen, although this method is very expensive and has had dramatic failures as well. Certain herbicides have proven highly effective. Imazapyr (Habitat) has been the most effective and least expensive per acre as well as being safer to aquatic creatures. Tryclopir (Garlon, Pathfinder II) has been effective in controlling Saltcedar in certain situations, always read the label for proper applications. Leaf Beetles have been released in selected dense stands with dramatic effect. It remains to be seen what the long-term result will be, but early indications are very encouraging.
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Modified from Selected Noxious Weeds of Eastern Oregon, Gary Page, Malheur County Weed Inspector.