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Tamarisk

How to identify Tamarisk (Tamarix ramosissima)

Tamarisk, also known as Pink tamarisk, Tamarix

Tamarisk is a plant that typically ranges from 5 to 25 feet (1.5 to 7.6 meters) in height. It is identifiable by its distinctive gray-green foliage reminiscent of juniper leaves, although it is not a conifer or evergreen. During the summer months, from June to August, tamarisk displays conspicuous, delicate pink flowers that contribute to its ornamental appeal. The branches are notable for their slender, arching form and a characteristic reddish hue. These features combined with its floral display make tamarisk a recognizable species, particularly suited to surviving in saline environments.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Tamarisk

1

Gray-green juniper-like foliage

2

Slender red-hued arching branches

3

Delicate pink feathery flowers in summer

4

Splitting brown-grey capsules with tufted seeds

5

Compound lanceolate leaves, vibrant green

TamariskTamariskTamariskTamariskTamarisk

Detailed Traits of Tamarisk

Leaf Features

The leaves of tamarisk are fine-textured and closely resemble juniper foliage. They are compound, alternate, and scale-like, tightly overlapping along the stem. Lanceolate in shape, these leaves have sharp to tapered tips. Each leaf measures up to 0.2 inches (5 mm) in length, presenting a delicate yet compact appearance. The color is a vibrant green, contributing to the feathery look of the foliage. The texture is smooth, lacking prominent veins.

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Flower Features

Tamarisk produces striking pink, feathery racemes organized into dense spike-like plumes. These elegant clusters bloom in the spring and summer on new wood, presenting a soft, airy appearance. The tiny individual flowers within the racemes, though small, create an overall bold impact. Each plume can reach up to 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in length. The flowers are characterized by their delicate pink hue and lack a pronounced scent, making them easily recognizable and a visual delight in their blooming season.

Tamarisk Flower imageTamarisk Flower imageTamarisk Flower image
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Stem Features

The stem of tamarisk is characterized by its slender, arching branchlets which are light red or orange-yellow and tend to weep when young. As the plant matures, the bark transitions to a grey color. The branchlets are typically thin, measuring around 1/8 inch (3 mm) in diameter, with a smooth texture when young, becoming slightly rougher with age. The overall appearance of the stems is delicate and graceful, enhancing the plant's ornamental appeal.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of tamarisk is a small, dry capsule which exhibits a distinctive splitting action when mature. These capsules are generally round to oblong in shape, with a surface that may vary from smooth to slightly textured. Upon reaching maturity, the capsule bursts open to release numerous tiny seeds. Each seed is typically surrounded by a tuft of fine hairs, aiding in their dispersal by wind. The color of the capsule is typically brown to grey, blending with the plant's foliage. The size of the capsules usually remains under 1 inch (2.54 cm) in length.

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Key Facts About Tamarisk

Attributes of Tamarisk
Spread
5 m
Leaf Color
Green
Gray
Silver
Flower Size
0.7 mm to 1 mm
Flower Color
Pink
Fruit Color
Brown
Stem Color
Red
Brown
Burgundy
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Tamarisk

Family
Tamarisk
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Species
Tamarisk (Tamarix ramosissima)
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Distribution Map of Tamarisk

Tamarisk is native to a broad area spanning parts of East and Central Asia, extending its roots into various neighboring regions. This plant has found its way to multiple continents, where it has been introduced in areas with temperate climates. Cultivated for its distinctive qualities, tamarisk has secured a spot in numerous landscapes beyond its natural habitat. Although it may be considered to have an impact on ecosystems in certain areas, the extent of this effect varies. Specifically, it has become invasive in regions of the Southern Hemisphere, where its presence might challenge local flora.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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