Leptospermum lanigerum|Woolly Tea-tree

Cardinia indigenous plant guide

Description

Dense shrub to small erect tree with persistent fibrous bark on larger stems, smaller stems shedding in stringy strips.

Size (W x H)

2-6m x 1-3m

Leaves

Variable, narrow, silvery leaves 4-20mm x 1.5-4mm, tapering to a point, silky hairs on both sides. Silver new growth.

Flowers

Masses of open flowers to 15mm wide, sepals pink, hairy. Capsules woolly, ultimately surface sheds in papery flakes.

Flower colour

White

Flower time

September to January

Growing conditions

Moist to wet conditions, along watercourses and in swamps of lowlands and foothills, often forming a closed scrub. Frost and snow tolerant. Full sun to partial shade.

Commonly used for

An excellent shrub for moist areas but tolerates dryer garden conditions. Attractive flowers and foliage. Screen plant. Pruning beneficial.

Available at indigenous nursery

Attracts birds

Attracts butterflies

Photo gallery

Acknowledgement

Thank you to Shire of Yarra Ranges for assistance in compiling this directory