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Tamarix ramosissima 'Pink Cascade' |
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| | First needly growth in mid-April |
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| Common name |
tamarisk; salt cedar |
| Family |
tamaricaceae |
| Life cycle |
shrub/tree (Z2-8) |
| Flowers |
pink (summer) |
| Size |
10' |
| Light |
sun |
| Cultural notes |
well-drained soil |
Sprays of pink flowers from July through the end of summer, with deciduous needle-like foliage. It's salt-tolerant, but luckily it will grow in our non-salty soil as well. It's likely to outgrow its position in front of our shed pretty soon - time to start thinking of its ultimate location in our garden...
| | Subtle orange coloration in November |
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We left this plant behind in our Pennsylvania garden (and wish it well); we don't grow it in Houston. About my plant portraits
PlantLinks to other web pages about Tamarix ramosissima 'Pink Cascade'
Visitors to this page have left the following comments| Paulefowler | Jun 29, 2006 | I was having trouble finding this plant and your site was of the most help.Thanks. |
| nicholas | Aug 07, 2006 | oh my god. did you know this is a major invasive species in the western united states??!
No, I did not. I'm pretty sure it is not a problem around here, though. |
| Bright- side | Aug 12, 2006 | I just got back from the venerable Missouri Botanical Garden, and this plant is growing at the Kemper Center there. A beauty. Not invasive where winters are cold. I'm looking for a plant source. |
| Ginette | Jul 23, 2008 | I just planted one of these in northern NB Canada (Zone 3) and was told it would grow to "about 6'"! This is one time I hope our 8' snowbanks affect the height! No one had info on these around here but I had seen them and wanted one. I had to buy a sickly one and hope I can nurse it back to health. New house-new garden; lots of new adventures, lots of new info to find. Thanks for what you have... |
| heather | Jul 29, 2008 | This plant is a major invasive species, you should get rid of it as it will take over. If you have riparian area around you be very aware that it will exude salt from the root system, therefore killing all other plants (especially concerned with the native species). Contact your local government agencies on invasive species for your area, I am sure that they will ask you to rid the area of this invasive-yet beautiful plant, "sigh" what a shame.
Invasive potential varies by climate and environment. Tamarix is not considered an invasive plant in Pennsylvania. It has shown no tendency to reproduce, sexually or asexually, in our garden. |
| Carole | Aug 04, 2008 | I have had this plant for 3 years and live outside Washington, DC. It is gorgeous ~ a great attention-getter. Does not produce any "offspring" in my gardens. I prune to about 3 feet each Fall. It has become multi-trunked. It is now August 4 and it is about 9 feet tall with beautiful pink sprays. The bees love it. I have read that it is quite invasive in parts of our country. |
| Ev | Sep 03, 2008 | my daughter gave me this for my birthday,she has one and has not been a problem. is it a invasive plant in washington state? |
| oleta vatsula | Oct 15, 2008 | I just baught a tamarix from Spring Hill and got on to see if it needee lots of mosture or how to carefor it I live in arkansas and seeing how it can become invasive I am now wondering
thanks for any help |
| judy | Feb 07, 2010 | i am wanting to purchase the tamarix shrub or tree we have a run off water problem and have heard this would be an excellant plant for this problem. we live in mobile, al. could you tell me where i can purchase one of these plants.
thanks for your help |
| Lori | Mar 18, 2010 | Southern MI region
I will purchase a few of these plants to add focus points in my yard. I have been watching them at a nearby pond store. They've had them for 8-9 years. They are beautiful during the summer. The shrub/trees are probably 9-10' high and they are spredding wider like a bush, they don't appear to have become invasive. They are a beautiful back drop for his fence. |
| Linda | May 10, 2010 | I first saw the Tamarix shrub in downtown Minneapolis, MN. I fell in love with it immediately. Now as I am relandscaping my backyard, I want to incorporate these lovely bushes into my plan. I have asked several landscapers about purchasing. They are not familiar with it. Any ideas as to where I can purchase three tamarix shrubs?
I'm afraid not. They are not commonly offered in my local area, but one of my favorite specialty nurseries had it for sale some years ago. |
| Dorris Smith | May 16, 2010 | We have tamarix trees about 30 years old, beautiful , non invasive in northern Indiana,looking for a supplier for more Tamarix trees. |
| Karen | Jun 10, 2010 | I believe the issue with the Tamarix (ramosissima) is it's capacity to draw salt from the air and deposits it in the soil, creating a saline soil which kills native plants [in wet lands - it must be invasive to some extent or many governments would not be listing as an invasive species: http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/plants/saltcedar.shtml] I'm in a zone 3 - and I found out about it initially from a website listing it as invasive in my area. |
| Cheryl | Jun 10, 2010 | When I was a little girl -- which was quite a long time ago -- the house where my parents lived had a very old tamarix tree in the yard and I loved it. Last year, after searching for over 50 years (!) I found this tree. I never knew the name of it, which created more than a little problem. I bought one but it did not survive our miserable winter last year. Will get another one next spring, I think. They are not invasive in Ohio, or at least not where we live, and they are such pretty things. |
| Peg | Jun 29, 2010 | We live near Minneapolis and we purchased our Tamarix at Gertins in Inver Grove Hts. This is our 3rd summer and it is currently full of color. |
| Kerry Sly | Jun 30, 2010 | The Tamarix grows throughout the river valleys of Northern Afghanistan, and in tajikistan as it does throughout Central Asia. However, if you mention Salt Cider in the River Hills areas of South Dakota all you will hear is cursing. It is considered an invasive species in the West. However, In the wilds of Afghanistan it is one of many plants that make the wild river valleys light up with color. |
| JRey | Jul 10, 2010 | I just bought a Tamerix at Baker's Acres in Groton, NY for those looking to buy it. I was greatly relieved to see that in PA it is not considered invasive as I usually check that out before I buy. This tree/shrub was planted in the beds there and was so gorgeous that I just had to have one. I'm very glad that I happened upon this page before I pick my planting site. I was going to put it in a bed with other ornamentals, but after reading about taking salt from the air and putting it in the soil, I think I'll plant it away from other things. |
| laura | Aug 17, 2010 | i went to my local walmart today and bought this beautiful plant,i couldnt believe i was getting such a plant for 9.97,then i went home and googled how to take care of this plant and were to put it,wellthe info i got on this plant made me take it back to walmart and get my money back.it could never be pretty enough to make me plant it in my garden,read the facts people before you plant,protect your environmment |
| Marilyn Stewart | Oct 11, 2010 | Salt Cedar is a major problem in Oklahoma, it is on the top ten invasive list here. Note that Japanese Honeysuckle was well-behaved for 60 years and now has totally replaced native habitats. If someone cares about the environment and wildlife they should not be planting salt cedar. |
| karol | Oct 27, 2010 | I planted a tamarix ramosissima PINK CASCADE this summer it is really a pretty shrub can anyone tell me do you cut it back in the fall if so how much. thanks |
| Mike W | Jan 06, 2011 | Coeburn, VA. Gurney's offers the Tamarisk through their online site. It ships in the fall. |
| Laura Coen | Apr 14, 2011 | I agree this plant is not invasive here in Conn. Our local nurseries do not carry it and I am looking for a source in the Fairfield County area |
| Alphonsine | Apr 25, 2011 | Do you think this shrub will grow here in new brunswick?
Well, it certainly should have the winter-hardiness required. I'm not sure about other cultural conditions, but I'd say it's worth a try. |
| b. norton | May 01, 2011 | i live in kelowna, bc. this is a desert climate. we have pink cascade tamarick here and it does well. i also saw one in ottawa, ontario. it looked sickly but was still alive. ottawa has a very cold winter, so i was very surprised to see it there.
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| darlene taunt | May 25, 2011 | will the tamarick tree grow in Washington state (western) and is it considered invasive? thank you, Darlene
I do believe that Washington is one of the areas where tamarisk can get out of control – better ask some local horticulturists before introducing it into your garden. |
| Paula | Jun 13, 2011 | HELLO!!! Just because a plant is well behaved in your garden doesn't mean it isn't seeding into other places. This shrub is invasive to waterways. In areas where it is allowed to grow, it changes the chemical makeup of the soil and replaces native vegetatiion. In most areas of the U.S. and many areas of Canada this shrub could prove to be a major problem. The U.S. already has a problem with it's water supply!
Hello. Tamarix is considered an invasive species in the US West, interior West, and some of the western plains states. To the best of my knowledge, it has shown no tendency to venture out into natural areas in the eastern US (and being on noxious weed lists of other states, I'm sure that conservation officials here keep a close eye on it). I feel no need to remove my plant just because it make a nuisance of itself a few thousand miles over. |
| Judi B | Jun 18, 2011 | I have a 1/2 acre bordered on two sides with tamarix. It is the biggest nuisance ever. Every fall I trim them back and haul limbs out and rake up the needles, but come spring when they start to bloom, they go wild and by June they are impassable. They are full of ticks and snakes in the summer time so you can't do a thing to control them. I live in the Mojave desert and cuss the owner who planted them in the first place. I want to know how to get rid of them for good. Is there an herbicide that can be used that will kill them? And yes, they will kill other growth around them. I've lost three oak trees. because the roots from the tamarix choked out the roots of the oaks. HELP! |
| sally c | Aug 02, 2011 | Is Tamarix deer resistant? Thank you. |
| karen e | Aug 08, 2011 | Tamarix is deer resistant - in Northern Wisconsin that's a big deal. I have recently planted a T. ramosissima for its beauty and to prevent erosion on a steep slope. I've read so much about the invasiveness of this species - but I've been assured by two other gardeners who have tamarix that we're safe to grow them here. I'm just hoping I can get it to survive our winters like I've learned to. |
| Heather | Oct 06, 2011 | I think this plant is absolutely beautiful, invasive or not! I got one from Montreal where it is very popular, and now is growing beautifully in my garden. |
| Nancy H | Apr 07, 2012 | I am looking for a Tamarix Ram. source in New Jersey. It grows grows great in our salty soil and does not invade. |
| Tony DeF | May 08, 2012 | We live in Oklahoma. My daughter-in-law in Ohio introduced me to them about eight years ago. I bought two. One died after three years but the other continues to erupt in beauty every springs. If it is an invasive plant we have not seen it. My plant has only the original four stalks. |
| Fred U | Jun 29, 2012 | I live in Fleetwood, Pa. and came across one in our farmers market 6 yrs ago and I planted in the center of my front yard. Each year I trim it back to appx 2ft high and blooms beautiful. I'm looking for one more as I have a spot that nothing grows and I know it will. |
| Amanda | Jul 02, 2012 | Do you know how often to fertilize it? I was told to use an acid fertilizer, such as what hydrangeas like. I used it when we planted but now I don't know how often and am afraid of under or over fertilizing.
I haven't fertilized mine; we have slightly acidic soil here, and the tamarisk seems to do just fine. |
| Lois | Jul 07, 2012 | Just saw this in my local nursery. This website has the best information! I'm in northern Wisconsin so climate and deer are big factors in what I plant. I'll give this pretty shrub a try. |
| susan | Aug 16, 2012 | my tamarix is not turning pink, whats' wrong?
If take it you mean your tamarix isn't flowering. That could have all kinds of reasons – the plant may not have reached flowering size yet, it may not be getting enough sunshine, or some other cultural requirement is not being met. |
| Brenda | Aug 29, 2012 | My Sister-in-law bought a Taramix for both her and my yard. We live in Missouri and the plant is strikingly beautiful. Our information that came with the plant did not advise how WIDE this bush can get and I am having trouble finding that info. Can you help? Just how WIDE does this bush get when in a sunny area? Is it ok to trim back?
Ours has an upright growth habit, but has sprouted side branches after I lopped it down by a few feet last years. The attained width would depend on conditions as well as pruning; I don't have enough experience with this plant to make any predictions. |
| Terri | Jul 06, 2013 | I bought a Tamarix when I lived in Michigan and planted it near my pond. It grows quite fast and is absolutely beautiful! It's quite the statement piece! EVERYONE commented on it. I would not hesitate to grow another one for sure. My problem is...I haven't been able to find one down here in Kentucky. I'm still looking! |
| Donna | Jul 08, 2013 | I live in Southern Ontario and bought this bush about 9 years ago, I loved it so much I bought myself another one 3 or 4 yrs. ago. I also bought my mother one at the same time and she also just loves it. We have no problems with it being invasive at all. It is a fast grower so it provides privacy in no time at all. We do keep it trimmed by cutting the top back every two years and shaping the sides. I have one of those long pole cutters so it only takes me 5 minutes to trim and 5 minutes to tie up clippings.
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| Lorraine Bingham | Jul 09, 2013 | I would love to buy one of these, I have been looking for one for over a year |
| bette. Ontario Canada | Jul 20, 2013 | I have had mine for over eight years. never has it invaded or killed any plants around it. In fact my roses are blooming under it and have for same length of time. Bees love it, me to |
| Barb', Indiana | Jul 30, 2013 | I just bought this bush. I wanted to plant it in an area that does not get full sun. Will it eventially die off or not flower?
It will certainly flower best in an area where it gets plenty of sun. But it may do just fine in part sun, depending on other conditions. Try it; if it doesn't work out, you can always transplant to a sunnier site. |
| Jake Pruitt | May 31, 2015 | I just bought one of these yesterday. I'm finding little to no accurate/consistent info about it, and your page and the comments are very helpful! My forte has always smaller plants, so I'm a bit intimidated by the prospect of how and when to prune. Do you have any additional insight you've learned over the years? Thanks so much for posting all of this; I look forward to browsing the rest of your site!
I'm not a particularly good resource, I'm afraid. The single specimen I grew found its position getting increasingly shadier, which didn't help its form. My attempts at hard pruning (cutting back major uprights) were mostly unsuccessful: the shrub never sprouted enough new growth to regain a graceful form. I have recently edited it out of my garden. But I'm sure that experienced gardeners with better growing conditions can do much better than I did! |
| Lori | Jun 10, 2015 | I too find your information helpful! I picked up 4 plants from a site in Illinois. I am in Ohio. I have a recessed area on the west side of my house I was debating on planting the tamarisk in. Do you think it would be a problem for an ornamental pine to be about 4 foot away? I don't want to damage the pine root system. I also have a lilac and a rhododendron about the same distance out. I was looking to have the tamarisk fill in the back corner. Thanks!
I wouldn't worry too much about root interference, as long as the soil is diggable where you want to plant the tamarisk. Do consider whether the pine would shade out the tamarisk, or otherwise interfere with its growth habit – I believe the tamarisk works best when allowed to attain its natural form. |
| Sonia | Aug 01, 2015 | My tamarisk is a lovely, exceeding fast growing plant. I did not prune it back early enough this year and when I did the new stalks have shot up over 8 ft already. It hasn't bloomed yet which is distressing--and looks to be in robust health. It's likely going to later this summer. This year I plan on moving it from the bed to its own location. I saw one displayed in a show room garden here in Ottawa where they don't trim it and it is an established tree more than a shrub. I have not seen even on shoot starting up from it in the two years I've owned it and believe that in certain areas it can be invasive; just not here in Ottawa. |
| Ann | Dec 06, 2015 | I live in west Australia on the Indian Ocean and we love Tamarix shrubs. Don't find them invasive here. Perhaps because our soil is only white beach sand and this plant seems to grow well in it. I have two of them in our garden. Because of our low rainfall here we need hardy plants. |
| Mary | Jan 20, 2016 | In a long article Melissa Lamberton explains the history of the tamarix in western states. Google her name with tamarix. At first imported to help with erosion control, later demonized by federal government as invasive, and now recent research shows that tamarix is not the problem, but rather damning of rivers creates the environment for invasion and instead tamarix eventually reaches a balance integrating with native plants and provides valuable habitat. I think the government needs to revisit listing tamarix as an invasive species rather than spending millions trying to eradicate it, which is mostly futile. I have planted it in all my gardens in Colorado and it survives and thrives during our drought cycles. There are two types - one blooms in the spring, the other late summer/fall.
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| Bethany | Jun 18, 2016 | We live in Plymouth MN (suburb of Minneapolis) I found that Dundee Nursery carries them. Also has anyone had trouble with rabbits eating it? Mine was devoured this winter then grew to about 3 feet and within a day it's down to nothing again. So frustrating:( They also ate our hostas, little rascals. |
| Karen buesgens | Mar 27, 2017 | We're buying at least one tamarix. We live in North eastern Minnesota. Please tell me that deer will leave it alone.
I really don't know - deer rarely visited my garden in Pennsylvania, so I never had to worry about deerproofing too much. |
| Darlene Hofer | May 23, 2017 | why has my Tamarix stopped producing pink blossoms. It is about ten years old. |
| Peggy | Jun 26, 2017 | I have 4 tamarisk trees. I love them. I bought mine about 12 years ago and they are about 12 to 15 feet high now. They are NOT invasive where I live which is Oakville Ontario (zone 6b). The other shrubs and perennials near the trees are healthy. I do not understand the panic about these trees. They are gorgeous. |
| Janet | Sep 17, 2018 | Karen,
I live in northeastern Minnesota too, and the deer have never eaten my Tamarisk, which I've had for more than a decade--although they've fed on just about everything else. Once I saw a deer brush its face against it, but then it seemed to lose interest and walked away. |
| Eileen brunst | May 27, 2019 | I have a young tamerisk which I planted about three years ago and it hasn’t produced pink flowers, do the need a lot of water? Thanks
No, I don't think it would be lack of water. First make sure it gets enough direct sun. Beyond that, I wouldn't be sufficiently in the know to give much advice. |
| david | Nov 24, 2019 | I have read many times about Abraham (from the bible,Genesis.chapter 21>)planting a Tamarisk tree, today I heard it can grow to 40 plus feet and looks almost the same width in pictures,it is a very generous shade tree which will distill water from the air around it to give very pleasant cooling, I am presuming the salty leaves pull moisture from the air and then drop it to the ground where it salts the ground after time, I also presume if you are not in a humid area it may not do that, and keeping the best till last they can take four hundred years to get to the forty foot mark, since none of us are that old who knows how big ,long it will take,David in Australia
Very interesting! Mine certainly never showed any inclination to get anywhere near that big, but the climate and sun exposure were less than ideal. |
| Carol | Apr 11, 2022 | I first saw the lovely Tamarix growing at The Ambler Arboretum of Temple University (187-acres)as a hedge wall between the green house and the lane. It was about 8 feet tall. This is Pennsylvania and I don't think a teaching school would grow a plant that harmed the environment. It is hard to find a anyone that sells the Tamarix. I found one but they wanted a $100 which is ridiculous. |
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