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Melaleuca bracteata

black tea-tree

Myrtaceae Mainland Australia

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Drought Tolerant Fragrant (moderate)

SunFull Sun

WaterMedium · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Melaleuca bracteata is an evergreen shrub to small tree native to much of mainland Australia, growing 10–33 feet (3–10 m) tall, usually along inland rivers and creeks. It has a dense, often weeping habit with small, narrow, pointed leaves 0.2–0.6 inch (5–15 mm) long, dark green and aromatic when crushed. Small creamy white flowers are packed into short, fluffy spikes 0.4–0.8 inch (1–2 cm) long along the stems, mainly in spring and summer. These are followed by clusters of small woody capsules that grip the stems. Melaleuca bracteata grows along watercourses, floodplains, and seasonally wet ground, on clay, loam, and sandy soils, and tolerates both wet periods and drought. The bark is dark grey to almost black and fibrous, giving the plant its common name. It tolerates frost, heat, and poor drainage, and resprouts after cutting or fire. Golden-foliaged forms are grown as garden and street plants, while the species is used in revegetation and as a fast-growing windbreak.

Native Range

Native to much of mainland Australia, occurring across inland and northern regions along rivers, creeks, and floodplains. It grows on clay, loam, and sandy soils in seasonally wet and dry country.

Suggested Uses

Melaleuca bracteata is used in revegetation, windbreaks, and screens, and along watercourses for erosion control on wet or variable soils. Golden-foliaged forms are planted as street and garden trees, and the aromatic foliage is a commercial source of essential oil.

How to Identify

Recognized by small, narrow, pointed leaves 0.2–0.6 inch (5–15 mm) long that are dark green and aromatic when crushed, and by dark grey to near-black fibrous bark. Short, fluffy creamy white flower spikes 0.4–0.8 inch (1–2 cm) long form along the stems. Clusters of small woody capsules grip the older stems.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height10' - 33'

Width/Spread8' - 20'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~12 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowering occurs mainly in spring and summer, from about September to February, when creamy white spikes form along the branches. The flowers draw nectar-feeding insects and birds. Woody capsules develop after flowering and remain on the stems for long periods.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-10 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 8.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

clay loam sand

Drainageaverage

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

4-8 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Melaleuca bracteata grows in full sun on a wide range of soils, including clay, loam, and sand, and tolerates both waterlogging and drought once established. It withstands frost, heat, and seasonal flooding, which suits it to difficult sites along watercourses and in low-lying ground. It needs little supplementary water or feeding in suitable climates. The plant resprouts strongly after cutting or fire and can sucker from the base. Light to moderate pruning keeps it dense and controls its size as a shrub or screen.

Pruning

Pruning after flowering or in late winter keeps the plant dense and controls its size. It resprouts strongly from cut stems and tolerates hard pruning to rejuvenate old or leggy plants. Trimming maintains a hedge, screen, or compact shrub form.

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Unknown

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Broadleaf Evergreen Trees

Melaleuca bracteata

black tea-tree

Myrtaceae Mainland Australia

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Drought Tolerant Fragrant (moderate)

SunFull Sun

WaterMedium · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Native Range

Native to much of mainland Australia, occurring across inland and northern regions along rivers, creeks, and floodplains. It grows on clay, loam, and sandy soils in seasonally wet and dry country.