Melaleuca linariifolia
Flaxleaf Paperbark
Description
This tree features a striking white, papery bark that peels away in layers, giving it a unique texture. Its dense, dark green foliage consists of narrow, needle-like leaves that provide a lush canopy. During the summer, the tree is adorned with fluffy, fragrant, white flower clusters that resemble bottlebrushes, attracting bees and other pollinators. It is well-suited to urban environments due to its ability to tolerate a range of soil types and conditions, including periods of drought. The tree’s moderate size (30' tall, 25' wide) and attractive appearance make it a popular choice for street planting and garden landscapes. Small gray or brown capsules appear in fall, creating some litter when they fall.
Sun
Full
Water
Low
Growth Rate
Fast, Moderate
Soil Type
Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular
Soil Condition
Average, Poor, Dry
Soil pH
Neutral
Adverse Factors
Attracts Bees, Messy
Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems.
Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.