Tamarix aphylla

Tamarix aphylla_JM DiTomaso
Photo: Joseph DiTomaso

Synonyms: T. articulata Vahl., T. orientalis Forssk., Thuja aphylla L.

Common names: athel; athel pine; tamarisk; evergreen saltcedar

Tamarix aphylla (athel tamarisk) is a shrub or a tree (family Tamaricaceae) found along streams and lakeshores throughout California. Tamarix aphylla and other tamarisk species were introduced as landscape ornamentals. Athel tamarisk is still widely planted as an ornamental species in southern California but is less invasive than other tamarisk species. It has escaped cultivation in the San Joaquin Valley, eastern South Coast, and desert regions of California.

Cal-IPC Rating: Limited?

CDFA Rating: B?

Assessment(s)

Plant Assessment Form - Information gathered by Cal-IPC on the impacts, rate of spread, and distribution of invasive plants in California. Does not include management information.

Species ID Card

Invasive Species ID Card - To support field identification of early detection species, Cal-IPC has designed a set of Species ID cards that can be downloaded, printed double-sided, and trimmed to size.

Special Reports

Tamarisk Brochure - from the University of California's Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program

Weed Management Notes

  • Management Notes - Information on management techniques and effectiveness from the University of California Cooperative Extension’s Weed Research & Information Center.

Cal-IPC Newsletter Articles

Cal-IPC Symposium Presentations

Presentations are linked where available. Where a presentation is not available, find more information by reading the abstract in the Cal-IPC Symposia Archive.

Other Tamarix aphylla Information

  • Bugwood - National database from the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health at the University of Georgia.
  • CalPhotos - Images of plants taken mostly in California.
  • Calflora - Distribution map and records of this species in California.
  • CalWeedMapper - Distribution map of this species in California with ability to determine regional priorities.
  • EDDMapS - Distribution of this species in North America.
  • Jepson Interchange - Information on this plant's taxonomy, biology, and distribution from UC Berkeley's Jepson Herbarium.
  • USDA PLANTS Database - Information on identification and distribution, with links to websites in individual states.
  • Additional photos

    Tamarix aphylla_flowers_copyright2009_NealKramer
    Tamarix aphylla (athel) flowers. Photo: &#169 2009 Neal Kramer
    Tamarix aphylla_stem with fused leaves_copyright2009_NealKramer
    Tamarix aphylla (athel) stem with fused leaves. Photo: &#169 2009 Neal Kramer
    Tamarix aphylla_growth form_copyright2009_NealKramer
    Tamarix aphylla (athel) growth habit. Photo: &#169 2009 Neal Kramer