tamarisk

noun

tam·​a·​risk ˈta-mə-ˌrisk 

: any of a genus (Tamarix of the family Tamaricaceae, the tamarisk family) of deciduous large shrubs and small trees native to Asia and the Mediterranean region and widely naturalized in North America that have tiny, scalelike leaves and feathery racemes of small, white to pink flowers

Note: Tamarisks are often considered weeds in North America where they thrive especially in arid or semiarid regions.

To survive in arid areas where the groundwater is saline, tamarisks have evolved the ability to get rid of salt by pumping it out onto their leaves.

—Josie Glausiusz

… tamarisk has been so successful that it is now the dominant plant in most desert riparian areas, blanketing more than a million acres in 15 states.

—Sharon Cohoon

called also salt cedar

Examples of tamarisk in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Its name, Eshel, is the Hebrew word for the biblical tamarisk tree. —Yonat Shimron, Sun Sentinel, 6 Feb. 2025

Highly flammable tamarisk shrubs have taken root in thick stands near streams in the western US, and eucalyptus — one of the primary invasive trees blamed for worsening Chile’s recent wildfires as well as fires in Portugal — increases wildfire risk in California. —Kylie Mohr, Vox, 8 Jan. 2025

Another tip: Start early in the morning and find shade below the tamarisk trees. —Christos Stergiou, Travel + Leisure, 22 Oct. 2024

In particular, the replanting or natural return of native trees and shrubs, as well as removal of non-native tamarisk trees, correlated with healthier bird populations. —Byroberto González, science.org, 14 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English tamarisc, from Late Latin tamariscus, from Latin tamaric-, tamarix

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

tamarisk

noun

tam·​a·​risk ˈtam-ə-ˌrisk 

: any of a genus of chiefly desert shrubs of Eurasia and Africa that have small narrow leaves and clusters of tiny flowers