Tamarix gallica

The Tamarix gallica, also known as the French Tamarisk or Gallic Tamarisk, is a large deciduous bush native to the Camargue, naturalized along all French coastlines, both along the Mediterranean and the Atlantic coast. This species is characterized by a superb delicate pink flowering in early summer, slender and reddish branches, and feathery foliage capable of excreting salt crystals. Particularly suitable for coastal gardens, as a windbreak hedge or as a solitary specimen.

The Tamarix gallica belongs to the Tamaricaceae family, like the other tamarisks. It is a large spreading bush, more or less dense, often a bit anarchic, growing in thickets and reaching an average height of 4 m (13ft) with a spread of 3 m (sometimes up to 7 m (23ft) in height depending on growing conditions). Exposed to coastal winds, the bush takes on a characteristic flag-like shape. Its root system consists of a long taproot that can reach up to 3 m (10ft) deep, and a widely spread network at the surface of the soil capable of producing suckers. This root system is very effective in stabilizing dunes and sandy soils. This small tree develops a gnarled trunk, its branching is very ramified, composed of slender and flexible reddish stems. Its foliage is composed of small scale-like leaves not exceeding 1.5 cm (1in) in length. This deciduous foliage appears in spring and falls in autumn. The presence of salt in the soil is the key to the drought resistance of this tamarisk, as it allows the plant to limit its transpiration. The salt exuded by the foliage crystallizes and falls onto the ground. Flowering occurs in June, on the current year's branches. Its abundance gracefully bends the stems, giving the vegetation a beautiful weeping habit. The flowers measure less than 1 cm (<1in), they are pale pink and are grouped in countless small clusters. This flowering is nectariferous.

Very easy to grow by the seaside, the French Tamarisk thrives near water, whether fresh or salty. Inland, when this resource is not available in depth, the bush may suffer from drought. Plant it as a solitary specimen, as a hedge or in a border, in the company of Griselinia, Spartium (Spanish broom), Atriplex etc. Prefer a sunny exposure to obtain a well-developed bush.