Chinese Tamarisk, Five-stamen tamarisk
Tamarix chinensis

Family: Tamaricaceae

What it is like

Tamarix chinensis is a deciduous Shrub growing to 4.5 m (14ft 9in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 4.5

Where it is found

Roadsides and stream edges, mostly as the result of cultivation.

E. Asia - China.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 2

The leaves are analgesic, antipyretic, antivinous, carminative, depurative, diuretic, febrifuge. Aids measles rash surfacing. The wood is used in the treatment of anthrax-like sores A manna from the plant is vulnerary.

Analgesic: Relieves pain.

Antivinous: Treats addiction to alcohol

Carminative: Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.

Depurative: Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.

Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.

Other

Rating: 0

Very tolerant of maritime exposure, it makes a good shelter hedge in coastal gardens.

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Hedge: Hedge

How it is grown

An easily grown plant, succeeding in most soils and tolerant of saline conditions. Grows well in heavy clay soils as well as in sands and even shingle. Usually found near the coast, it succeeds inland if given a fairly good deep loam and a sunny position. Tolerant of maritime winds and dry soils when grown near the coast, plants require a moister soil and shelter from cold drying winds when they are grown inland in non-saline soils because they use the soil salts that are found in saline soils to help them reduce transpiration. This species flowers on the current year's growth. Any pruning is best carried out in spring, hedges are also best trimmed at this time. Plants are tolerant of severe pruning, sprouting freely from old wood. Very closely related to T. ramosissima. This plant is often mis-identified as T. gallica or T. indica. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Very easy. Cuttings of mature wood of the current seasons growth, 15 - 25cm long, planted outdoors in late autumn in a nursery bed or straight into their permanent position. High percentage.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Hedge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

T. elegans. T. gallica. non L. T. indica. non Willd.