Herb: English Tree


Latin name: Tamarix anglica


Family: Tamaricaceae (Tamarisk Family)



Medicinal use of English Tree:

Astringent, diuretic.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Deciduous
Shrub

Height:
5 m
(16 feet)

Habitat of the herb:

Damp ground near the coast.

Edible parts of English Tree:

A manna is produced by the plants in response to insect damage to the stems. It is sweet and mucilaginous.

Other uses of the herb:

Very tolerant of maritime exposure, it makes a good shelter hedge in coastal gardens. Dislikes being trimmed. The extensive root system of this plant makes it suitable for use in erosion control in sandy soils. Wood - fairly hard, not strong, close grained, takes a high polish. Used for general construction, poles, turnery. It makes a good fuel, burning well even when green due to the wax content of the wood.

Propagation of English Tree:

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Very easy. Cuttings of mature wood of the current seasons growth, 15 - 25cm long, planted outdoors in late autumn in a nursery bed or straight into their permanent position. High percentage.

Cultivation of the herb:

Damp ground near the coast.

Known hazards of Tamarix anglica:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.