Seeds: Many, tiny, windblown seeds.
Habitat: Desert areas, usually planted along roadways, for shade, or windbreaks.
Distribution: Desert areas from south Texas to southern California.
Elevation: Below sea level to 5,000 feet.
Comments: Athel Tamarisk is an introduced species native to Africa and the Middle East that was planted in desert areas as a fast-growing tree for windbreaks, shade, and as an ornamental. It has escaped cultivation, but has not naturalized as much as Saltcedar, although recently it is becoming a problem in some places.
Athel produces diffuse shade, but little that benefits the habitat or wildlife. |