Saltcedar
Tree Stories: The Saltcedar
Anniversary stories of the Great Storm of 1900 have recently reminded us of that devastating event. For survivors of that storm, the defoliation of the Island was a lingering reminder of loss. Vegetation was scoured from the soil and “green” landmarks were absent. On a lesser scale, after Hurricane Ike in 2008 most islanders likely experienced some disorientation and even grief due to the loss of 40,000 trees.
Recovery efforts after 1900 included planting trees. The Women’s Health Protective Association formed soon after the event to restore and maintain the health and morale of the island residents, and trees were high on their list of priorities.
An early effort was to establish a protective barrier of saltcedars (Tamarix spp) along the beachfront. The WHPA noted in the Galveston Daily News, “This should appeal to us as a work both utilitarian and beautiful, for while the network of shrubby trees will serve to bind the sand, making a nucleus about which the sandhills will quickly form, the gray-green foliage will make a lovely fringe about the island which will charm the eye”. Saltcedar, aka tamarisk, is a spreading shrub or small tree, 5-20 feet tall, with numerous slender branches, scaly foliage and pink blossoms in summer.
The Seawall replaced this green breakwater and there are now only scattered examples of saltcedar in town: on 12th Street at Avenue M½, Avenue U across from Moody Methodist, along Offats Bayou, and on the West End.
While planting these trees seemed like a good idea at the time, saltcedar is now out of favor and sits on the USDA invasive species list!
Saltcedar was introduced from Eurasia in the early 19th century for use as an ornamental shrub, windbreak, and shade tree. During the 1930s Dust Bowl it was planted to fight soil erosion on the Great Plains. The tough tree’s root system can access water deep underground as it helps stabilize soil. Under drought, it survives by dropping its leaves and halting growth. It can survive immersion for up to 70 days, is extremely fire resistant, adapts to many soil types, and is highly salt tolerant. So what’s not to like?
Unfortunately these sterling qualities also create problems as it outcompetes native trees. It spreads aggressively through roots, submerged stems and seeds. The stems and leaves secrete salt, forming a crust above and below ground that inhibits other plants. It flourishes along streambeds where its high water consumption can lower ground water levels and can dry up springs and marshes.
Of course there is not universal agreement about its peskiness, and saltcedar does have positive qualities. Flowers provide pollen and nectar for honey bees although the seeds provide minimal nutrition for most animals. It provides nesting areas for certain doves and is the preferred habitat for the endangered Willow Flycatcher. One evergreen Tamarisk, Tamarix aphylla, is not invasive and has been used in anti-desertification efforts in Asia.
So once again we plant trees. As we prepare for restoring Broadway, we should rest assured that our oaks will not be seen as invasive in 100 years!
“Tree Stories” is an ongoing series of articles about outstanding Island trees, tree care, and tree issues. If you have or know of a special tree on Galveston Island that should be highlighted, please email treesforgalveston@yahoo.com. Margaret Canavan is a Galveston resident, a Galveston County Master Gardener, and a member of the Galveston Island Tree Conservancy Board.
Hurricane Ike caused the loss of 40,000 trees on Galveston Island. The Galveston Island Tree Conservancy was formed to address that loss and has replaced over 14,000 through grant-funded plantings and giveaways.
