Tamarix parviflora is deciduous shrub that can grow up to 15 ft. (4.8 m) in height.
Foliage
Leaves are small, scale-like, gray-green in color, and overlap along the stem. The bark is smooth and reddish on younger plants, turning brown and furrowed with age.
Flowers
Flowers are small white to pink, with 4 petals and sepals.
Fruit
Fruits are small capsules.
Ecological Threat
Several species are considered invasive in the United States and distinguishing the species can often be difficult. Tamarix parviflora invades streambanks, sandbars, lake margins, wetlands, moist rangelands, and saline environments. It can crowd out native riparian species, diminish early successional habitat, and reduce water tables and interferes with hydrologic process. Tamarix parviflora is native to Eurasia and Africa and was introduced into the western United States as an ornamental in the early 1800s. It occurs throughout the western and central United States, but is most problematic in the Southwest.