Juniperus sabina 'Tamariscifolia', Tam Juniper
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Coniferous Shrubs

Juniperus sabina 'Tamariscifolia'

Tam Juniper

Cupressaceae

Mountains of central and southern Europe, central Asia

At a Glance

TypeShrub
HabitSpreading
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-3 feet (46-90 cm)
Width6-10 feet (1.8-3 m)
Maturity10 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 7
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Fragrant (moderate)
Maintenancevery low

Overview

Juniperus sabina 'Tamariscifolia' is a low-growing, spreading evergreen conifer reaching 1.5-3 feet (46-90 cm) tall with a spread of 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m), developing a dense, mounding to vase-shaped form with branches radiating outward and upward from the center. Over time, the center of the plant mounds up while the edges spread, creating a layered, tiered effect. Foliage is predominantly adult-type (scale-like), bright green to blue-green, in fine, feathery sprays — finer-textured and softer-looking than most spreading junipers. The species name 'sabina' and common name 'savin juniper' come from the Sabine people of ancient Italy. The cultivar name 'Tamariscifolia' means 'tamarisk-leaved,' referring to the fine, feathery foliage texture. Growth rate is slow to moderate at 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) per year vertically, spreading faster laterally. Dioecious. One of the oldest juniper cultivars in cultivation, known since the early 1800s. Foliage and stems have a pungent, resinous scent when crushed. All parts of J. sabina are toxic if ingested — the essential oil (savin oil) is historically documented as a poisonous abortifacient. This is the most toxic juniper species.

Native Range

The species Juniperus sabina is native to mountains of central and southern Europe, and central Asia. The cultivar 'Tamariscifolia' has been in cultivation since the early 1800s.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a groundcover, foundation planting, or mass planting where a low, fine-textured, bright green evergreen mound is desired, spaced 5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 m) apart. Effective on slopes for erosion control. The fine feathery texture provides contrast with coarser-textured plants. Tolerates difficult urban and commercial sites. Caution: all parts are toxic — do not plant in areas accessible to children or livestock.

How to Identify

Identified by low, spreading, mounding to vase-shaped habit with layered branches, fine feathery bright green to blue-green scale-like foliage, and pungent resinous scent when foliage is crushed. Distinguished from J. chinensis 'Pfitzeriana' by finer-textured, brighter green foliage and lower, more layered habit (1.5-3 vs 5-8 feet tall). Distinguished from J. horizontalis by taller, mounding (not flat prostrate) habit. The fine, feathery texture and strong resinous scent are diagnostic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1'6" - 3'
Width/Spread6' - 10'

Reaches mature size in approximately 10 years

Colors

Flower Colors

yellow

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~2 weeks
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F
M
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M
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D
Spring
Cones are not ornamentally significant. The ornamental value is in the low, spreading, fine-textured evergreen form.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Inconspicuous (cones)

Foliage Description

Bright green to blue-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 8.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsandrockychalk
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Very Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

4-6 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Water during the first growing season. Established plants are very drought-tolerant. Plant in full sun. Requires well-drained soil. Tolerates poor, rocky, and alkaline soils. Tolerates heat and urban conditions. Essentially pest- and disease-free when properly sited. All parts are toxic if ingested — do not plant where children or livestock may access. The pungent oil can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Pruning

Minimal pruning needed. Remove dead branches. The layered, mounding form develops naturally. Do not shear into flat or rounded shapes. Selectively remove branches that extend beyond the desired footprint. Do not cut back into old bare wood.

Pruning Schedule

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D
early spring

Maintenance Level

very low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and humans