Siberian Salt Tree

Halimodendron halodendron

The only species of the genus Halimodendron that is a part of the larger Legume family
that is an attractive deciduous shrub reaching up to 9 feet that is native from southern Europe to central Asia often on salt plains. Generally moderate growing, it can reach its full size of 9 x 9 feet in 6 years on ideal sites. It even thrives in Alberta's harsh climate where it grows with vigor.
The foliage is pinnate and silvery in spring. The leaflets are up to 1.5 inches in length. The foliage turns yellow in autumn.
Masses of pea like pale purple flowers up to 1.5 inches in length appear in racemes in late spring. They are followed by seed pods up to an inch in length.
Hardy zones 2 to 8 in sun on just about any well drained soil; this shrub is very salt and drought tolerant and is excellent for use on the seashores.
Propagation can be from seed, cutting and layering.

* photo taken on August 3 2010 @ University of Guelph Arboretum, Ontario


'Purpureum'
Intense pink flowers with white and purple flushing