Tamarisk, Saltcedar
 

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

Grows to 10-15' tall and not quite as wide, a very loose, open shrub, fast growth rate. Wild-looking. Has grown to 25', especially along the N. Carolina & Georgia coasts. Fast growth rate.

Native Range

Native to southeastern Europe and central Asia, where it normally occurs on saline soils. Cultivated since 1883.

Flower and Fruit Details

Bright pink flowers, 5-petaled, 5-sepaled, in 1-3" racemes which form large, terminal panicles, June-July. Overall, flower shoots to 3' long, on the new growth of the season, but also produces some of the earlier flowers on the old wood. Blooms 4-6 weeks. Fruits are capsules, not visually important.

Leaf and Bark Features

Deciduous: Leaves are bright green, alternate, simple, lanceolate to ovate, 1/8" long, resembling the scale-type foliage on a Juniper, thus the one common name, "Salt-cedar". Attractive foliage is dense, feathery, & fine-textured. Branches not so attractive once leaves fall off. Has an "unkempt" look in winter. Young stems very slender, rounded, covered w/ small, rounded buds.

Culture and Care

Prefers acid, well-drained, low fertility soil in full sun. Not really particular as to soil and can grow in sand. Flowers on new growth, so prune back in early spring. Fantastically salt and dry soil tolerant, actually does well in saline environments. Great for seashores. Best to transplant from a container, due to limited root system. Zones 3-8. This plant should not be fertilized. Susceptible to cankers, powdery mildew, root rot, wood rot, and scales.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts

3-season interest: Spring, summer & fall. Has become quite invasive in the western United States.

Suggested Uses

This species has been determined to be invasive in parts of the United States. Thoroughly research potential impacts to local native habitats before planting.
Great for saline soil areas. May be grown in containers, but do not fertilize! Interesting for foliage effect as well as flowers, however its uses are limited since its course habit may need to be disguised in winter.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA