tamarisk

A tree or shrub of the genus Tamarix. Tolerating sandy and even saline soils, this drought-resistant tree grows in deserts as well as in watered places, near streams and marshes. It is an evergreen with tiny, jointed, gray-green, needlelike leaves, which give it a feathery appearance. It provides year-round food for goats. Its wood is used for construction and is a good source of charcoal. Its common occurrence in desolate places makes tamarisk an ideal shade tree and a revered spot for burials (1Sam 31:13).