Melaleuca sp.

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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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 alternifolia (Tea Tree, Snow-in-Summer)
• Melaleuca armillaris (Bracelet Honey Myrtle)
• Melaleuca cajuputi, Melaleuca leucadendron (Cajuput Tree, Swamp Tea-tree)
• Melaleuca citrina, Callistemon citrinus, Callistemon lanceolatus (Common Red Bottlebrush, Crimson Bottlebrush, Lemon Bottlebrush)
• Melaleuca cuticularis, Melaleuca abietina (Saltwater Paperbark)
• Melaleuca decussata (Cross-leaved Honey-myrtle, Totem Poles)
• Melaleuca elliptica (Granite Bottlebrush, Granite Honey Myrtle)
• Melaleuca ericifolia (Swamp Paperbark, Australian Rosalina)
• Melaleuca huegelii (Chenille Honey-myrtle)
• Melaleuca quinquenervia (Paperbark, Honey Myrtle, Punk Tree)