Tamarix aphylla
Athel, Athel
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Tamaricaceae · Type: Shrub / Tree · Not Native
Conservation status: Cal-IPC Yes
Tamarix aphylla (Athel) is a non-native California shrub / tree in the Tamaricaceae family, recognized by Co-occurs with 4 other tamarisk species; diagnostic jointed stem appearance and large size.
Athel is a naturalized shrub found in eastern San Diego County and desert regions in washes and roadsides at elevations below 200 meters. Flowering from May to November, this plant produces small pale flowers in delicate clusters up to 6 centimeters long. Growing as a large shrub or tree reaching 25 meters tall, it develops distinctively jointed stems with leaves that completely encircle the branches. Its tiny leaves are approximately 2 millimeters long with a sharp point, giving the plant a unique textural appearance. The plant produces five-petaled flowers with oval petals about 2 to 2.5 millimeters long, accompanied by five stamens.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Co-occurs with 4 other tamarisk species; diagnostic jointed stem appearance and large size
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Washes, roadsides
Elevation: < 200 m
California counties: Ventura, San Bernardino, San Diego, Imperial, Riverside, Inyo, Fresno, Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Kern, Kings, Santa Barbara, San Joaquin, Yolo
Outside California: to Utah, Texas, northern Mexico, native western India to northern and western Africa
Bloom period
Tamarix aphylla blooms May-Nov.
Conservation status
Cal-IPC Yes
How to tell it apart
vs Casuarina: Tamarix has jointed green twigs with scale leaves; Casuarina has grooved twigs with whorled scale teeth.; vs Artemisia: Tamarix has bladeless scale leaves on jointed twigs; Artemisia has small but distinct lobed leaves.; vs Neltuma: Tamarix has scale-like leaves on delicate twigs; mesquite has compound leaves with distinct leaflets.; vs Pinus: Tamarix has jointed green deciduous twigs; pine has woody branches with clustered needles.; vs Acacia: Tamarix has tiny scale leaves on jointed twigs; Acacia has distinct compound leaves or flattened leaf-like stems.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tamarix aphylla native to California?
No. Tamarix aphylla is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Tamarix aphylla bloom?
Tamarix aphylla blooms May-Nov.
Where in California does Tamarix aphylla grow?
Tamarix aphylla occurs in Ventura, San Bernardino, San Diego, Imperial, Riverside, Inyo, Fresno, Los Angeles and other counties, at elevations of < 200 m.
What plant family does Tamarix aphylla belong to?
Tamarix aphylla is in the Tamaricaceae family, genus Tamarix.
Is Tamarix aphylla invasive in California?
Tamarix aphylla is listed by Cal-IPC with an invasiveness rating of Yes.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.