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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 - 7Zone 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
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 weeksJ
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Spring
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Inconspicuous (cones)Foliage Description
Bright green to blue-greenGrowing 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
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring