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Lophostemon, Genus, confertus, Species,
- Genus & species
brush box
Overview
Lophostemon confertus is an evergreen tree reaching 50-130 feet (15-40 m) tall in habitat and 26-50 feet (8-15 m) wide, though it stays smaller and denser in cultivation. Glossy dark green obovate leaves 3-7 inches (8-18 cm) long cluster in whorls at the ends of the branchlets, giving the canopy a tufted look. White to cream flowers about 0.8 inch (2 cm) across carry five bundles of feathery stamens and open in summer. Small woody capsules follow and sit partly enclosed in the branch. The bark is rough and red-brown at the base and sheds higher up in patches to leave smooth pinkish-grey areas. Native to the rainforest margins and wet forests of eastern Australia, it tolerates urban pollution, drought once established, and a range of soils, which has made it a widely planted street and shade tree. It is frost-sensitive when young and grows slowly to a large size, so it needs room away from buildings and paving.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, from coastal New South Wales through Queensland, where it grows on rainforest margins, in wet sclerophyll forest, and along watercourses.Suggested Uses
Planted as a street, park, and shade tree in warm climates, and used for screening and shelter where space allows. Its flowers support nectar-feeding insects and birds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height50' - 130'
Width/Spread26' - 50'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to creamFoliage Description
glossy dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
