Melaleuca leucadendra
weeping paperbark
Tropical northern Australia and Southeast Asia
Overview
Melaleuca leucadendra is a large evergreen tree reaching 30-130 feet (10-40 m) tall, with a spreading crown of pendulous, weeping branchlets and thick, white to cream papery bark that peels in soft layers. The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, 3-8 inches (7.5-20 cm) long, dull grey-green, and hang from the drooping branchlets, releasing a faint oily scent when crushed. Cream to white flower spikes 1.2-3 inches (3-7.5 cm) long resemble bottlebrushes and appear through much of the year, heaviest in autumn and winter, drawing nectar-feeding birds, bats, and insects. Small woody capsules clustered along the stems follow and hold many tiny seeds. Melaleuca leucadendra grows along rivers, floodplains, and swamp margins across tropical northern Australia, New Guinea, and Southeast Asia, and tolerates seasonal flooding, humidity, and poor drainage. It grows quickly and is killed only by severe frost, but its size and vigorous roots make it unsuited to small gardens or sites near drains and foundations.
Native Range
Melaleuca leucadendra is native to tropical northern Australia, from Western Australia across the Northern Territory to Queensland, and extends through New Guinea into Southeast Asia. It grows along rivers, floodplains, and swamp margins on seasonally wet soils.Suggested Uses
M. leucadendra is grown as a shade and street tree in tropical and subtropical areas, along watercourses, and in wetland revegetation where its roots stabilise banks. The flowers support nectar-feeding birds and bats. Its large size and spreading roots confine it to parks, acreage, and open ground rather than small gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height30' - 130'
Width/Spread20' - 40'
Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years
Bloom Information
Cream to white bottlebrush spikes can appear through much of the year, with the heaviest flushes in autumn and winter. The nectar-rich flowers draw honeyeaters, lorikeets, flying foxes, and many insects. Woody seed capsules form along the stems and may persist for several years.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Cream to whiteFoliage Description
Grey-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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow M. leucadendra in full sun on moist to wet soil; it tolerates seasonal flooding, heavy clay, and brackish ground better than most trees. The species grows quickly in warm climates and suits USDA zones 10-12, with foliage damaged by hard frost. Water well while young, after which established trees handle both wet spells and short dry periods. Give the tree ample room, as it reaches a large size and its roots can lift paving and invade drains. A deep mulch helps keep the root zone moist in drier sites.Pruning
M. leucadendra needs little pruning beyond removing low or damaged branches to lift the canopy. It reshoots strongly from old wood and even from the trunk, so hard pruning is tolerated. Formative pruning when young helps establish a single clear trunk.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
Minimum container size: 25 gallons