A shrub or small tree with a narrow, rounded crown, growing to a height of 5 m and a diameter of 10 cm.

Description

Distinguishing Features - Leaves: 1.5 mm long; scalelike, crowded, narrow and pointed; colouration: dull bluish-green. Bark: reddy-brown, smooth, becoming grooved. Branchlets: green, becoming purplish; long, slender, hairless; shedding with leaves. Flowers: <3 mm long, with 5 pinkish petals; numerous, crowded together in narrow clusters 2 - 5 cm long at ends of twigs; appearing late spring to early summer. Fruit: 3 mm long; narrow, pointed, reddy-brown capsules; splitting into 3 to 5 parts; many tiny, hairy seeds; maturing in summer.

Habitat

Native to Asia and Europe; introduced to North America as an ornamental in many localities; in wet, open areas along stream banks, ditches, and ponds.

Notes

Although there are visual similarities, the Tamarix is related neither to cedars, junipers or tamaracks. As well, it is not an evergreen.

Return to Top of Page