Semi-desert, foothills. Streamsides. Spring, summer.
Hunter Canyon, Utah, May 3, 2005.

Beauty is a beast.

Semi-desert, foothills. Streamsides. Spring, summer.
Canyon de Chelly National Monument, June 10, 2004.

All that blooms is not desirable.  Tamarisk is an Eurasian species that was introduced to the Southwest perhaps as many as five centuries ago and has in that time established itself firmly and tragically.  It forms almost impenetrable thickets that scratch and tear at clothing and flesh; it is capable of exuding excess salt so it can therefore tolerate a broad range of Southwest environments; it crowds out native species; and it is very successful at reaching down to and eventually lowering or sucking dry the water table.  And, of course, as is true of all non-native species, Tamarisk forces changes in the relationship of animals to plants, i.e., those animals which found food and habitat in Willows (frequently the losers in their confrontation with Tamarisk) now must either be able to survive on the new food and habitat of Tamarisk, or perish.  Many perish.

Massive Tamarisk eradication programs are part of every land management agency in the West.  Do an on-line search and you will see that Tamarisk is being attacked with chain saws, herbicides, bulldozers, and beetles.

Semi-desert, foothills. Streamsides. Spring, summer.
Canyon de Chelly National Monument, June 10, 2004.

Semi-desert, foothills. Streamsides. Spring, summer.
Canyon de Chelly National Monument, June 10, 2004.