Tamarix gallica aka Tamarisk

Tamarix gallica, or French tamarisk, belongs to the Tamaricaceae family. Its native range spans the western and central Mediterranean to the Sahara. It grows on damp ground near the coast. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. French tree and English tamarisk are other common names. Tamarix anglica is a synonym.

This deciduous plant forms a broad shrub or small tree. Garden plants reach 8–13 feet (2.5–4 metres) tall. Their spread can reach 13–26 feet (4–8 metres). Virginia Tech gives a greater height of 30 feet (9.1 metres). Plants take about 10–20 years to reach full size. The branches arch, and their slender tips droop. Young shoots have dark purple-brown bark. The bark starts smooth, with many long lenticels. Shallow cracks form as it ages. Tiny, alternate leaves resemble scales and look pale to blue-green.

Small, star-shaped flowers range from whitish pink to lavender pink. They form narrow, cylindrical clusters along the current year's shoots. Virginia Tech places flowering in early spring. Small, dry capsules ripen in late spring. These hold tiny seeds with cottony hairs. The fine leaves and flower clusters give the plant a light appearance. Its wide form suits coastal and informal gardens.

Grow French tamarisk in full sun with good soil drainage. It accepts clay, loam and sand across acid to alkaline soils. It dislikes shallow chalk soils. Coastal plantings need sandy soil that drains well. Inland plants need shelter from cold, drying winds. The RHS rates it H5; PFAF lists USDA zones 4–8. It tolerates sea exposure and can form a coastal shelter hedge. Its open growth limits how much wind it blocks. Broad roots help hold sandy soil against erosion. PFAF notes that it dislikes trimming. The RHS reports few pest problems, though honey fungus can occur.

PFAF gives the plant a low food-use rating. It describes sweet manna linked to insect damage on stems. The source questions whether the plant or insects produce it. Production in Britain remains uncertain. PFAF records traditional medicinal uses for leaves, branchlets, galls and manna. It also records tannin and fabric-dye uses. It lists no known hazards, but this does not establish safety. PFAF flags weed potential, so local growing conditions deserve attention.