The plant, also called tamarisk, began to take root in the United States in the 1800s, with federal government approval to bring in the bush, originally from Europe, to help control erosion. ... It's not surprising that many in the Southwest see the tamarisk as a monster.

Where does tamarisk come from?

L. The genus Tamarix (tamarisk, salt cedar, taray) is composed of about 50–60 species of flowering plants in the family Tamaricaceae, native to drier areas of Eurasia and Africa. The generic name originated in Latin and may refer to the Tamaris River in Hispania Tarraconensis (Spain).

How did the tamarisk get to the US?

How did it get here? Tamarisk may have been introduced in our area for erosion control. It has also been planted as an ornamental tree and for windbreaks. It propagates prolifically by seeds that frequently travel by wind or water.