SafePlants

Tamarix chinensis: The Five-Stamen Tamarisk

Tamarix chinensis, commonly known as five-stamen tamarisk, Chinese tamarisk, or saltcedar, is a deciduous shrub or small tree with notable ecological implications.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant can grow into a shrub or small tree, potentially making it accessible to pets.

Considerations for Children

• This plant can grow into a shrub or small tree, potentially making it accessible to children.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Tamarix chinensis L.
• Common Names: Five-stamen tamarisk, Chinese tamarisk, saltcedar
• Family: Tamaricaceae (Tamarisk Family)
• Kingdom: Eukaryota
• Synonyms:
  • Tamarix pentandra Pallas
• USDA Symbol: TACH2

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to China and Korea.
• Reported as invasive in several states in the US: Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
• Found along banks of creeks and in areas near bodies of water like Lake Isabella, CA.

Ecological Role

• Considered an ecological threat and invasive in several states.

Morphological Characteristics

• Deciduous shrub growing up to 4.5 meters (14 feet 9 inches).
• Can also grow as a small tree, reaching a height of up to 5 meters with a narrow, rounded crown.
• Flowers from July to September.
• Fruits are capsules, small in size (3-4 mm or 0.12-0.16 inches).

Growth Habits

• Grows at a medium rate.
• Hardy to zone (UK) 7.
• Habit: Hardwood Tree, Shrub or Subshrub.
• Perennial.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Cattle have been observed grazing on Tamarix coppice shoots.

Related Species

• Tamarix ramosissima is also referred to as tamarisk or saltcedar, sometimes commonly called five-stamen tamarisk.
• Tamarix aphylla (L.) Karsten has been misapplied as a synonym.

Further Information

• USDA PLANTS Database.
• Western wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species. West Region.