Melaleuca ericifolia
swamp paperbark
Overview
Melaleuca ericifolia is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the myrtle family (Myrtaceae), reaching 10-30 ft (3-9 m) tall, with whitish, papery bark that peels in thin layers. It is native to coastal and near-coastal swamps and stream margins of south-eastern Australia, where it spreads by root suckers to form dense, single-species thickets. The narrow, heath-like leaves are 0.3-0.6 in (8-16 mm) long and crowded along the stems. In spring it produces short cream to white bottlebrush spikes 0.4-1 in (1-2.5 cm) long, each made up of many stamen-rich flowers, followed by woody cup-shaped capsules clustered on the older wood. The species tolerates waterlogging, brackish soil, and salt-laden wind, and resprouts strongly after fire or cutting from a woody base. Its suckering habit suits stabilising wet ground but can let it spread beyond where it is wanted. Growth is rapid in moist conditions and slower on dry sites, where mature height is reduced.
Native Range
Melaleuca ericifolia is native to south-eastern Australia, occurring in Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales, and South Australia. It grows in coastal swamps, behind dunes, and along slow streams and estuaries, often in seasonally waterlogged or brackish soils.Suggested Uses
Used for windbreaks, screening, swamp and streambank revegetation, and erosion control on wet or saline sites. The dense thickets shelter small birds. Spaced 5-10 ft (1.5-3 m) apart for a screen, wider where suckering will fill gaps.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 30'
Width/Spread10' - 20'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Cream to white bottlebrush spikes appear mainly in spring, from September to November, clustered toward the branch tips. Each spike holds many stamen-rich flowers that draw insects and nectar-feeding birds. Woody capsules form afterward and persist on the wood for years.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
cream to whiteFoliage Description
dark green to grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-9 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
It grows in full sun to part shade on moist, heavy, or waterlogged soils, including brackish ground, and tolerates seasonal flooding. Once established it withstands drought, wind, and salt spray. Water young plants through their first dry season; mature thickets rely on the water table. The vigorous root suckers spread laterally, so a root barrier or open setting suits confined gardens. It reshoots from the base after hard cutting or fire and needs little feeding.Pruning
Trim after flowering to shape and limit size, cutting into leafy or older wood, from which it reshoots. Remove suckers at the base to contain lateral spread. Hedging is tolerated where a dense screen is wanted.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late springsummer