Tamarix chinensis aka Chinese Tamarisk

Tamarix chinensis, or Chinese tamarisk, belongs to the Tamaricaceae family. Its native range covers northern and east-central China. It grows as a deciduous shrub or small tree. The crown is rounded, with thin twigs that hang down. RHS gives a garden height range of 13–26 feet [4–8 metres]. Its shorter description places the plant around 16 feet [5 metres]. Virginia Tech describes plants reaching 20 feet [6.1 metres]. The mature spread is about 8–13 feet [2.5–4 metres]. Plants take 10–20 years to reach their full size.

The small leaves give the branches a fine texture. They are grey-green, scale-like, and set alternately along the twigs. Each leaf measures about one-sixteenth of an inch long. Young branches are green beneath their close covering of leaves. These slender shoots turn purple as they age. The bark starts smooth and reddish brown, with many lenticels. Shallow cracks develop as the bark grows older. The plant loses its leaves for winter.

Small pink flowers grow in narrow clusters at twig tips. Each flower has five petals. The clusters measure about one to two inches long. RHS describes pale pink spring flowers on the previous year's shoots. Virginia Tech records flowering in late spring and summer. Honey bees visit the flowers. Small, dry, brown capsules ripen during summer. Each pointed capsule holds many seeds with cotton-like hairs. Both the flowers and fruits are small beside the long shoots.

Grow this plant in full sun with good soil drainage. It accepts clay, loam, and sand across a broad pH range. Avoid shallow soil over chalk. RHS recommends well-drained sand for coastal sites. Inland plants need shelter from cold winds that dry them out. Moist but well-drained soil suits it. RHS assigns hardiness rating H5 for UK conditions. It lists the plant for coastal, cottage, and informal gardens. Its drooping shoots and pink flowers provide its main garden interest.

RHS places Chinese tamarisk among plants needing little upkeep. It reports few pest problems, though honey fungus can occur. Grow new plants from semi-hardwood cuttings in summer. Hardwood cuttings can be taken in winter. Seeds can also be sown when ripe in a cold frame. The supplied species-level sources do not establish food uses or toxicity.