Four stamen tamarisk Tamarix tetrandra
ABOUT
The Tamarix tetrandra, commonly known as the four-stamen tamarisk, is a distinctive shrub characterized by thin, feathery branches and an open, airy appearance. Its leaves are small and scale-like, which gives the foliage a fine, almost heather-like texture. During the spring season, the plant is adorned with delicate pink flowers that are arranged in dense racemes, creating a soft, hazy effect that can add a touch of color to the landscape. These flowers have a distinctive feature, which is the four prominent stamens that extend outwards, giving the plant its specific name. The bark of this plant is typically reddish-brown, providing a nice contrast with its bluish-green leaves. Overall, the four-stamen tamarisk has a wispy, ornamental look, making it a favorite for use in gardens for added texture and color.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Tamaricaceae
Synonyms
Four-Stamen Tamarisk
Common names
Tamarix parviflora, Tamarix tetragyna, Tamarix dalmatica, Tamarix tetragyn, Tamarix ericoides, Tamarix omeiensis, Tamarix pallasii, Myricaria germanica.
ToxicityTo humans
Tamarix tetrandra, commonly known as saltcedar, is not generally known to be toxic to humans. Therefore, if ingested, it is not commonly associated with poisoning or harmful symptoms.
To pets
Saltcedar is also not typically known to be toxic to pets. It is not associated with poisoning that would lead to symptomatic consequences in animals if they ingest the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
8-12 feet (2.4-3.7 meters)
Spread
4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Southeastern Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Erosion Control: Tamarix tetrandra has deep root systems that help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
- Windbreak: It acts as a natural windbreaker, protecting other plants and reducing soil desiccation.
- Habitat Creation: Provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and insects, contributing to biodiversity.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Offers attractive feathery foliage and delicate pink flowers, enhancing garden landscapes.
- Tolerance to Saline Conditions: Can grow in salty soils, useful for landscaping in coastal areas where other plants might struggle.
- Drought Resistance: Highly capable of surviving in dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Wildlife Forage: The flowers can provide nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Tamarisk tetrandra, commonly known as tamarisk, can be used as a natural windbreak, helping to protect more vulnerable crops or landscapes from strong winds due to its dense growth pattern.
- The wood of tamarisk is durable and resistant to rot, making it suitable for crafting small wooden objects such as picture frames, decorative items, or kitchen utensils.
- Tamarisk branches and foliage can be used in floral arrangements and as filler in bouquets, giving them a unique and wild texture.
- The fine-textured foliage of tamarisk can be used artistically in gardens to create a contrast with plants having broader leaves, enhancing aesthetic value.
- The plant's deep root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on sandy or loose soils, especially in dry and desert-like areas.
- In some regions, tamarisk is planted as a privacy screen due to its dense growth, offering seclusion without the need for built structures.
- The dense thickets of tamarisk provide nesting sites and cover for wildlife, particularly bird species, contributing to the ecological value of an area.
- Due to its tolerance of high salinity, tamarisk is sometimes used in rehabilitation projects to revegetate saline or degraded soils.
- Tamarisk can be trained as a bonsai, offering a challenging and unique species for enthusiasts of the art form.
- The tall and slender form of tamarisk makes it a suitable choice for creating vertical interest in garden design, especially in xeriscapes where water conservation is important.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Tamarisk is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Tamarisk is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Tamarisk, a common name for Tamarix tetrandra, is known for its ability to thrive in arid conditions and saline soils, symbolizing the ability to endure and adapt to challenging environments.
- Purification: Tamarisk has been associated with purification due to its historical use in traditional medicine and its capacity to remove salt from the surrounding soil, which can be seen as a metaphor for cleansing or purifying one's life.
- Protection: The dense, bushy nature of the Tamarisk provides shelter and protection for wildlife. In symbolism, this can represent a haven or safe space from outside threats.
- Endurance: As a plant that can tolerate extreme conditions, Tamarisk is often a symbol of endurance and the ability to persist through adversity.
WaterThe Tamarisk, commonly referred to as Tamarix tetrandra, thrives best when its soil is kept evenly moist, especially during its growing season in spring and summer. It should be watered deeply once a week, applying approximately 1 to 2 gallons of water each time, depending on the size and maturity of the plant as well as the weather conditions. During the hot, dry periods, the frequency may need to increase to maintain moisture. However, in the dormant season of fall and winter, reduce watering to every other week or less, always checking the soil moisture before adding more water to avoid overwatering.
LightThe Tamarisk prefers full sun conditions and will thrive best when it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. An ideal spot would be an open area without any shade from buildings or taller plants where it can get uninterrupted sunlight. The more sun this plant gets, the better it will grow and flower.
TemperatureTamarix tetrandra is adaptable to a range of temperatures and can tolerate minimum temperatures down to around -20°F. Ideally, it flourishes in temperatures between 50°F and 80°F. Extreme heat above 90°F may stress the plant, so providing some afternoon shade in the hottest climates can be beneficial.
PruningTamarix tetrandra should be pruned to maintain shape and remove any dead or diseased branches. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. The plant responds well to hard pruning every few years, which can rejuvenate an overgrown shrub. Regularly removing spent flowers can also promote new growth and additional blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilTamarix, commonly known as salt cedar, thrives in well-draining, sandy or loamy soils with a slightly alkaline pH, around 7.5 to 8. A mixture of sand, compost, and garden loam is ideal to provide the nutrients and drainage this plant requires.
RepottingSalt cedars, being large shrubs or trees, are not commonly repotted. If grown in containers, young plants may require repotting every 2-3 years to ensure adequate space for root growth.
Humidity & MistingSalt cedars are extremely tolerant of various humidity levels and can thrive in both dry and humid conditions, making them versatile for different climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, minimal water, and no excess humidity.
Outdoor
Full sun, well-draining soil, water sparingly.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA.
Life cycleTamarix tetrandra, commonly known as the four-stamen tamarisk, begins its life as a seed which requires a period of cold stratification to enhance germination. Once conditions are favorable, the seed germinates, usually in spring, and develops a taproot with a rapid-growing root system. The seedling stage is characterized by the growth of slender branches and scale-like leaves, and as it matures into a sapling, the plant develops woody stems. In its adult stage, typically reached in 3 to 4 years, the four-stamen tamarisk produces dense sprays of small, delicate pink to white flowers in late spring or early summer, attracting various pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into tiny, wind-dispersed capsules that release numerous seeds ensuring the propagation of the species. As a perennial shrub or small tree, Tamarix tetrandra can live for many years, repeating the flowering and seed production cycle annually.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter-early spring
Tamarisk, also known as Tamarix tetrandra, is commonly propagated by cuttings. The ideal time for taking cuttings is late winter to early spring, before the new growth begins. To propagate tamarisk through cuttings, one should select a healthy branch and cut a piece about 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) long, with several nodes present. It is recommended to make the cuttings from semi-hardwood, which is wood from the previous year that has begun to harden but is not completely woody. The bottom end of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone to increase the chances of successful rooting. The treated cutting should then be placed in a well-drained, sandy soil mix, with the lower nodes buried where roots will develop. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist and to place the cutting in a warm spot with indirect light until the roots have established and new growth appears.
