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Tamarisk
Also known as: Pink tamarisk, Tamarix
Tamarisk is a hardy shrub or small tree with feathery leaves and plumes of showy flowers. It is easy to grow and works well as a hedge or windshield. Its tamarisk, refers to its ability to tolerate salt water. The shrub uses special glands to excrete the salt through its leaves.
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Perennial
Lifespan
Shrub
Plant Type
Green, Gray, Silver
Leaf Color
0.7 mm to 1 mm
Flower Size
Brown
Fruit Color
Pink
Flower Color
Red, Brown, Burgundy
Stem Color
Winter dormancy
Dormancy
Deciduous
Leaf type
0 - 32 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Summer
Growth Season
Rapid
Growth Rate

Images of Tamarisk

Distribution of Tamarisk

Distribution Map
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
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Woodland garden, hedge
Hemisphere Trend Curve

Culture

Garden Use
Tamarisk is a small shrub species with arching branches and graceful plumes of pink flowers. The attractive appearance of this shrub makes it a popular species in gardens and landscaping projects. The tamarisk is often planted in mixed shrub borders. It can also be planted as part of an informal hedge row or to break the wind moving across a landscape.
Symbolism
Crime, It was a crime, Don't do me wrong
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Weed Control

Tamarisk is a plant native to Eurasia and Africa. It's considered a weed because of its invasiveness and its ability to outcompete native vegetation due to proficient reproduction and rapid spread. This aggressive invader can grow in dense thickets, thus significantly altering the habitat and reducing biodiversity. The harmfulness of tamarisk especially manifests in gardens, as it can suck up large quantities of water, leaving less for other plants, and it can also increase soil salinity, inhibiting the growth of other species. Growers need to look for its distinctive features: small, pink to white flowers, and feathery, leafless, and scale-like branches. If you notice these signs, take action immediately. Tamarisk spreads primarily by seeds, which can be disbursed by wind, water, and even wildlife. But it also reproduces vegetatively, with new plants growing from root fragments. Therefore, Yank it from the ground only when young before it sets up an extensive root system.
How to Control It
The best season to remove or restrict tamarisk is late winter or early spring before new growth begins. It is crucial to control tamarisk before it reaches the flowering stage to prevent seed dispersal.
  1. Hand pulling: Remove young tamarisk by hand, ensuring to extract the entire root system to prevent regrowth.
  2. Mowing: Repeatedly cut down tamarisk at ground level with a lawnmower or string trimmer to exhaust the plant's energy reserves.
  3. Mulching: Cover the soil around tamarisk with a thick layer of organic mulch to suppress new sprouts and reduce soil moisture loss.
  4. Root barrier: Install a vertical root barrier around tamarisk to confine its spread and maintain manageable clump sizes.
  5. Grazing: If feasible, allow sheep or goats to graze the area to control the growth of tamarisk as they consume young shoots and leaves.
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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
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Care Guide for Tamarisk

Every 2-3 weeks
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
0 - 32 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Garden Soil
Soil Type
Water: Adapted to arid conditions, tamarisk requires minimal moisture, thriving with sparse watering every 2-3 weeks. Preferring full sun exposure, it is ideal for xeriscaping in diverse climates, showcasing its drought-resistant nature developed from desert-like origins.
Fertilize: For tamarisk, optimal fertilization enhances growth and foliage density. Use balanced NPK fertilizers during the growing season, switching to high nitrogen pre-spring. Fertilize quarterly, adjusting for seasonal growth, while avoiding over-fertilization. Novice gardeners should start with half-strength doses to monitor tamarisk's response.
Pruning: Tamarisk features feathery foliage and benefits from pruning in late spring after blooming. Focus on removing dead or overcrowded branches to promote growth and prevent invasiveness. Regular pruning enhances air circulation and health. Use clean tools for effective cuts, ensuring a well-managed garden presence.
Propagation: Tamarisk is best propagated in autumn and winter through cutting and layering methods. It is moderately easy to propagate, with new roots and leaves indicating success. Pre-rooting cuttings in moist vermiculite can improve success rates.
Repotting: Repot tamarisk every 2-3 years in early spring, selecting a larger container with good drainage. Water thoroughly after repotting and position in sunlight to reduce transplant shock. Regularly monitor soil moisture to ensure tamarisk's health and support its establishment.
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