Leptospermum lanigerum
Woolly Teatree
Dense shrub to small erect tree with persistent fibrous bark on larger stems, smaller stems shedding in stringy strips.
Additional information
- FamilyMyrtaceae
- StoreyMiddle storey
- Size2-6 m x 1-3 m
- Plant groupingShrubs 1.5-10 m
- LeavesVariable, narrow, silvery leaves 4-20 mm x 1.5-4 mm, tapering to a point, silky hairs on both sides. Silver new growth.
- Flower colourWhite
- Flowering timeSeptember to January
- FlowersMasses of open flowers to 15 mm wide, sepals pink, hairy. Capsules woolly, ultimately surface sheds in papery flakes.
- Bird attractingInsects
- Butterfly attractingNectar for butterflies
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsMoist 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.
- Garden useAn excellent shrub for moist areas but tolerates dryer garden conditions. Attractive flowers and foliage. Screen plant. Pruning beneficial.
- Commercially availableAustralian plant & indigenous nurseries
- Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
- Aboriginal Use Stems, wood - spears
- Related speciesSimilar to Leptospermum grandifolium which tends to be at higher altitudes. Leaves and flowers are larger and bark on larger stems are smooth, shedding in papery strips. Leaves are generally glossy on upper surface, but may have silky hairs.
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1, 4 Peter Clark Natureshare ©; 2 Colleen Miller ©; 3 David Francis, Natureshare ©
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