Tamarisk, Small-flowered
Tamarix parviflora
Tamaricaceae - Tamarisk
Description
Leaves: Alternate; simple; scaly; very small; deciduous; green; no petiole.
Twigs/buds: Twigs slender, spreading, and drooping. Buds small, round.
Flowers/fruit: Flowers perfect; 4 petals and sepals; very small; pink; arranged in large, drooping inflorescences covering branches; open in late-April to May. Fruit a small capsule.
Bark: Gray; smooth.
Wood: No information available.
General: Native to southeastern Europe. Much planted ornamentally, including in Utah. Striking tree, but weediness is a serious problem. Very salt and drought tolerant. Shade intolerant.
Landscape Use: The tree pictured here is very attractive in bloom, so it's easy to see why people might want to plant them. Tamarisk's weediness, however, is too serious a problem to overlook. Too bad there is not a seedless variety available. Hardiness zones 4-8.
Comments & Limitations: Should not be planted because of weediness.
Characteristics
General
| Family | Tamaricaceae - Tamarisk |
|---|---|
| Cultivar Availability | No |
| Hardiness Zone | 4-8 |
| Type | Broadleaf |
| Utah Native | No |
Growth
| Growth Rate | Medium |
|---|---|
| Mature Height | Low |
| Longevity | Medium |
| Is Good Under Power Lines | Yes |
| Crown Shapes | Shrubby |
Ornamental
| Bark | No |
|---|---|
| Fall Color | Yes |
| Flowers | Yes |
| Foliage | No |
| Fruit | No |
Tolerance
| Shade | Low |
|---|---|
| Salt | High |
| Drought | High |
| Poor Drainage | High |
| Alkalinity | High |
| Transplanting | Medium |