Melaleuca linariifolia, commonly known as Snow in Summer, is an Australian native tree that can grow up to 9 metres tall. Its narrow leaves resemble flax, and the tree produces white to creamy yellow flowers that bloom in late winter or early spring. The bark is papery and peels off in strips, revealing a smooth, cream-coloured trunk underneath. Melaleuca linariifolia is drought-tolerant and can adapt to various soil types, making it a popular choice for landscaping. It is commonly used for screening and hedging, as well as attracting native wildlife, such as birds and butterflies, to the garden.
Melaleuca linariifolia
SNOW IN SUMMER
Description
Height: 3-6 m
Width: 3-6 m
Aspect: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Flowers: Blooms in spring and summer, producing clusters of creamy white, bottlebrush-like flowers that are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Uses: Melaleuca linariifolia is commonly used in landscaping as an ornamental tree or shrub, due to its attractive foliage, showy flowers, and tolerance to a wide range of growing conditions. It is also used for erosion control and in wetland restoration projects due to its ability to tolerate both wet and dry soils. The tree’s bark has been used by Indigenous Australians for a variety of medicinal purposes, and the essential oil derived from the leaves is used commercially for its antimicrobial properties.
