The pale pink to white flowers are small, perfect and regular, arranged in spike-like racemes. The distinct petals and sepals occur in fours or fives. The saltcedar photographs are the copyright property of J. R. Manhart. Used with permission.
Tamarix taxonomy is currently in a state of confusion.
The number of species in the genus has fluctuated widely because members of the genus have few constant differentiating features, and taxonomists have disagreed over which features are most important. Eight species have been listed as introduced into the U.S. and Canada. These species can be effectively divided into two groups. Tamarix aphylla , an evergreen tree, does not sexually reproduce in this climate, so it is not seriously invasive. However, the salt cedar species of concern in Washington state was recently determined to be T. ramosissima .