Mediterranean and western European feathery-leaved tree or large shrub with pink summer flower plumes, exceptional tolerance of salt-laden coastal wind, and a long history of seaside windbreak planting around the Mediterranean basin.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 6–9 | −23.3 °C to −1.1 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H5 | −15 °C to −10 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 7–9 | −12 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 2–6 | −10 °C to 15 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
Growing notes
- Salt tolerant, wind tolerant, drought tolerant — among the best coastal hedge and windbreak plants for hot dry coastal climates, used extensively in Mediterranean seaside resorts and English east-coast gardens
- WARNING: Multiple Tamarix species (especially T. ramosissima and T. chinensis, also sometimes T. gallica) are seriously INVASIVE across the southwestern United States, parts of Australia, and northern Mexico — dewatering of riparian habitat and salt accumulation in soils have caused severe environmental damage, do not plant in those regions
- Taproot can reach groundwater far below the surface — accumulates salt in leaves which is shed to the soil, gradually increasing soil salinity around the plant
- Long-lived once established, surviving severe drought and salt that would kill most trees
Categories
Related plants
Cross-check Tamarisk against your zones