(Australian Tea Tree)
SIZE: Small (Height 15-30'; Spread 20').
GROWTH RATE: Fast.
FOLIAGE: Gray-green, oval leaves, 1/2-1" long.
FLOWER/FRUIT/BARK: Many white flowers, 1/2" across, form in summer and persist year-round. Unique light gray, twisting bark.
MONTHLY WATERING NEEDS: 15-20 gallons per week for the first 2 years; 15-20 gallons twice a month for the 3rd year; as needed after 3 years (varies by soil, sun, and wind conditions).
TREE CARE: High. Early pruning needed to establish and maintain a central leader and develop good branch structure.
TOLERANCES: One of the only species to tolerate coastal conditions and the dunes of the Outer Sunset clear to the Great Highway. Drought (once established), sandy soil, salt air; steady, gusty or cold winds; fog, smog, temperature extremes.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Prefers sun. Needs good drainage. Prone to transplant shock, do not allow rootball to dry out when becoming established. Do not root well, may be staked entire lifetime.
NOTABLE TRAITS: Native to sand dunes and coastlines of south and southeast Australia. Tough street tree with a picturesque, windblown shape; an excellent coastal windbreak. Good tree for 2x3' basins and beneath overhead wires. Disease and pest resistant.
ALTERNATE FORMS: Can also grow as a bush or prostrate shrub (as on the borders of Golden Gate Park on Lincoln Ave).