Introduction Over the past 200 years, salt cedar (Tamarix spp.) has invaded western waterways. Saltcedar was introduced accidentally as an out-of-control ornamental and intentionally as a bank stabilizer (Sher, Marshall, & Taylor, 2002). Species of the genus Tamarix were thought to be very useful until they were observed to displace trees of the native genus Salix (willow) and Populous (aspen and popular). It is now considered a weed in 7 western states (Zouhar, 2003). The effects of the presence and invasion of Tamarix have been detected in terms of displacement of native tree species, loss of biodiversity, loss of water and accumulation of salt. There are effects not only on abiotic factors, but also on native animal species, such as the endangered southwestern willow flycatcher. Many management strategies have been employed in attempts to control Tamarix spp in the West. Strategies include biocontrol, herbicides, mechanical treatments, and changes in water management practices. Despite the unwanted presence, it is important to understand why the plant is there, the physiology of the plant, and what has succeeded in restoring native communities to their stable natural state as native species. Here we will explore plant physiology, long-held misconceptions about why saltcedar invaded, some management techniques, and considerations for current and future research and control. To understand how the salt cedar invasion symptom occurred, it is important to understand the characteristics that make the plant survive and what the underlying cause of the invasion may be. In this report the Tamarix species will be highlighted with specific examples but more often with general characteristics of the members...... middle of the sheet ......a trailii extimus). Albuquerque, New Mexico. Sher, A., Marshall, D., & Taylor, J. (2002, June). Establishment pattern of native Populus and Salix in the presence of invasive non-native Tamarix. Ecological Applications, 12(3), pp. 760-772.Taylor, J. L. (2000). Populus fremontii. Retrieved from U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Reaserach Station, Fire Science Laboratory: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/popfre/introductory.htmlVandersande, M.W., Glenn, E. P., & Walworth, J. L. (2001). Tolerance of five lower Colorado River riparian plants to salinity-driven drought and flooding. Journal of Arid Environments, 49, 147-159. doi:10.1006Zouhar, K. (2003). Tamarix spp. Retrieved from U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station: http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/tamspp/all.html