Melaleuca sp. (Melaleuca)
Botanical name: Melaleuca sp.
Common name: Melaleuca
Family: Myrtaceae
Origin: Australia
Hardiness: 15°F
Melaleucas are a diverse genus of flowering shrubs and trees native primarily to Australia, particularly thriving in Western and Northern regions.
They are known for their distinctive bottlebrush-like flowers in colors ranging from white and yellow to pink, mauve, and red, as well as for their aromatic, often textured foliage. Melaleucas adapt well to a wide range of soil types, prefer full sun, and are highly tolerant of drought and poor soils once established. Many species also handle seasonal flooding and coastal conditions.
Popular in water-wise and native gardens, Melaleucas are used for hedging, erosion control, habitat support, and ornamental planting, and some have traditional medicinal and essential oil applications.
Melaleucas are commonly known as "Paperbarks" in the tree forms and "Honey Myrtles" in the smaller forms. These names refer to the flaky bark of many species and the nectar produced in the flowers.
Similar plants: Melaleuca sp. (Melaleuca)
- Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree)
- Melaleuca armillaris (Bracelet Honey Myrtle)
- Melaleuca cajuputi (Cajuput Tree)
- Melaleuca citrina (Common Red Bottlebrush)
- Melaleuca cuticularis (Saltwater Paperbark)
- Melaleuca decussata (Cross-leaved Honey-myrtle)
- Melaleuca elliptica (Granite Bottlebrush)
- Melaleuca ericifolia (Swamp Paperbark)
- Melaleuca huegelii (Chenille Honey-myrtle)
- Melaleuca quinquenervia (Paperbark)
