Melaleuca stypheliodes
Prickly Melaleuca, Prickly Teatree
Description
This tree features a distinctive, papery bark that peels away in layers, creating a unique, textured appearance. Its small, needle-like leaves are densely packed along the branches, giving it a lush, green look year-round. During the blooming season, it produces clusters of creamy-white, bottlebrush-like flowers that attract a variety of pollinators. The tree is well-suited for urban environments due to its tolerance for different soil types and its ability to withstand drought conditions. Its compact size and ornamental qualities make it a popular choice for landscaping in parks and gardens. This tree reaches 40' tall and 10-20' wide, requiring full sun and tolerating most soils. It has a rounded habit. Evergreen leaves are light green and oblong shaped. Showy white flowers appear in summer or fall. Small fruit appear in fall which attracts wildlife. Exfoliating bark is attractive, either peeling to reveal a dark gray or light green color. This tree tolerates coastal conditions.
Sun
Full
Water
Low
Growth Rate
Fast
Soil Type
Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular
Soil Condition
Average, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral, Basic
Adverse Factors
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.