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Tamarix ramosissima

Image of Tamarix ramosissima

JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University

Family

Tamaricaceae

Botanical Name

Tamarix ramosissima

Plant Common Name

Saltcedar

General Description

Despite its beautiful soft pink blossoms, this plant is among the most banned of all invasive exotics. In the Southwestestern U.S., the agricultural success of tamarisk trees as windbreaks has turned into an ecological tragedy. This species, native over a huge part of Asia Minor, has the potential to naturalize in many climates and disturb native plant communities throughout arid regions.

This species reproduces easily from seed. It has proven to be highly competitive with desert natives and may easily become the dominant vegetation type where conditions are right. Despite the beauty, drought resistance and problem solving ability of this tree, it should not be planted without an investigation.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    8 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    3 - 8

  • Sunset Zone

    3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Tree

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun

  • Height

    0'-15' / 0.0m - 4.6m

  • Width

    0'-15' / 0.0m - 4.6m

  • Bloom Time

    Late Summer, Early Fall

  • Native To

    Eastern Europe, Mediterranean, Turkey, Western Asia

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Very Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Upright/Erect

  • Seasonal Interest

    Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Pink

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green

  • Bark Color

    Brown

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Fine

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    Yes

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Fissured

  • Usage

    Feature Plant, Shade Trees

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    Yes

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes