<

 
Melaleuca linariifolia
paper bark tree

Also called Snow-in-Summer and narrow leaved paperbark. This is another Melaleuca native of Australia that can grow in our area. It has Rosemary needle-like leaves and foliage is gray green. Flowers resemble bottle brush form but bloom is generally white. It can bloom sporadically throught the year, but main season is generally summer. The cultivar 'Snowstorm' flowers densly and is a dwarf version of the species. Bees and pollinators favor this flower. Young tree form is whispy and graceful, but becomes more brocolli shaped over time as trunk thickens.

Full sun is preferred but it can take some light shade. Useful for creating screening and wind breaks on a property. Essential oils made from this tree have a nutmeg scent and it shares antibacterial properties like its close relative the Tea tree Melaleuca.

Like the other Melaleucas, this tree has spongy bark that often sheds in strips. Although this tree is not fussy about soil or wind, it is prone to laying over in sandy soil as it gets larger. Recommend staking the first few years after planting or keeping tree form balanced with selective pruning to avoid sprawling shrub. Growth is moderate and is a good choice near power lines.

Maximum height
15-30 feet
10-20 feet wide

Life Span
60+ years


Criteria for Ranking

Ranking
1 (low) - 5 (high)

Drought Tolerance after first year establishment 5
Wind Tolerance 3*
Frost Tolerance 5
Surface Roots/Sidewalk Lifting 5
Power Lines Proximity

5 (good choice)
Cost/Maintenance 4*
Disease Resistance/Hardiness 5
   
*note asterisk denote species will be shaped by a prevailing wind. Single trunk trained trees need more protection than multi-trunk to grow straight.
*note species needs some shaping to create single trunk specimen. Paperbark trees naturally grow as multitrunk without pruning.

Location Have not spotted a street Melaleuca linariifolia in Marina, but have seen cultivars in a few backyards waving over fences.