Large bush that grows into a small tree with pendulous twigs. The brown bark is slightly grooved and flaky at a later age. Young twigs are yellowish green, turning purplish red in the 2nd year. The leaves are dark to bluish green and have a semi-perfoliate base. Leaves on young twigs are oval and 0.4 cm long, on older branches triangular and 0.1 cm long. Small pink flowers grow in tight clusters, 3 - 10 cm long. The petals fall off quickly, but the 5 stamens remain a long time. After flowering, small capsule fruits containing plentiful seeds appear. This Tamarix is excellently suited for coastal areas but is slightly sensitive to frost. When the plant is not blooming, it bears a superficial similarity to some conifers.