Littleleaf false tamarisk is a semi-evergreen to deciduous tree native to the rocky slopes and canyons of southern Arizona and northern Sonora, Mexico, where it thrives in some of the harshest environments the desert offers. Growing 11-15 feet tall with an equal spread, this multi-stemmed beauty earns its common name 'feather bush' from its delicate, fern-like foliage and produces showy clusters of flowers from March through June. Hardy in zones 9-11, it's a low-maintenance choice that tolerates drought, poor soils, and dry conditions once established, making it an excellent shade tree or hedge for water-conscious gardeners in warm climates.
Full Sun
Moderate
9-11
180in H x 180in W
—
High
Hover over chart points for details
Littleleaf false tamarisk glows with feathery foliage that catches light beautifully, especially when the showy springtime flowers arrive. Once established, it asks almost nothing of you, no fussing with irrigation, no feeding, no constant pruning. The real appeal lies in its ability to create shade and structure in difficult spots where many trees would struggle, all while attracting birds to your garden and handling the kind of rocky, alkaline soil that defeats most ornamentals.
Littleleaf false tamarisk serves as an excellent shade tree in hot, dry climates, a durable hedge plant for defining space without heavy maintenance, and an annual specimen for gardens wanting height and texture. Its ability to thrive in poor, rocky soils makes it particularly valuable in landscaping difficult sites where conventional trees fail.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Littleleaf false tamarisk takes well to pruning and responds positively to it. The key is maintaining structure by leaving 2-3 main stems to support the canopy, which creates a stronger, more balanced tree. Remove any root suckers or side branches that detract from this framework. However, avoid training it as a standard (single-stemmed form), as its natural multi-stemmed growth habit is both its strength and its charm.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.
“This species is native to rocky slopes, canyons, and thorn-scrub forests of the Rincon Mountains in southern Arizona and the tropical deciduous forests of northern Sonora, Mexico. It evolved in one of North America's most challenging climates, developing the drought tolerance and structural resilience that make it valuable in cultivation across warm regions.”