Tamarisk

A fast-growing tree found in deserts with green branches, small white flowers, and feathery seeds.

Leafless tamarisk
Leafless tamarisk (Michael Baranovsky (Wikimedia Commons)) Tamarisk

About Tamarisk

A tamarisk is a small, fast-growing tree or shrub with strong, durable wood. These plants grow well in harsh places like deserts, sand dunes, and salty marshes. The Bible mentions tamarisk trees in Genesis 21:33 and 1 Samuel 22:6 and 31:13.

Tamarisk plants often provide welcome green foliage and cooling shade for travelers in hot, dry regions. One type of tamarisk, Tamarix aphylla, has small, scale-like leaves and produces small white flowers. These tiny leaves help the tree conserve water in dry climates. Tamarix aphylla can survive in harsh environments and grows well in areas where water is scarce.

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The plant itself Article

Habitat, identification, and how translators render the term across languages.

Key References

Genesis 21:33

And Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called upon the name of the LORD, the Eternal God.

1 Samuel 22:6

Soon Saul learned that David and his men had been discovered. At that time Saul was sitting under the tamarisk tree on the hill at Gibeah, with his spear in hand and all his servants standing around him.

1 Samuel 31:13

Then they took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree in Jabesh, and they fasted seven days.

All Scripture References (3)

Genesis (1)
Genesis 21:33

And Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called upon the name of the LORD, the Eternal God.

1 Samuel (2)
1 Samuel 22:6

Soon Saul learned that David and his men had been discovered. At that time Saul was sitting under the tamarisk tree on the hill at Gibeah, with his spear in hand and all his servants standing around him.

1 Samuel 31:13

Then they took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree in Jabesh, and they fasted seven days.