Melaleuca linariifolia (Flaxleaf Paperbark)
		CHARACTER: Evergreen; round form; dense canopy. SIZE: Medium (Height 25-35'; Spread 20'). GROWTH RATE: Moderate. FOLIAGE: Blue-green, needle-like leaves, 1-1.5" long. FLOWER/FRUIT/BARK: Many white flowers, in clusters 2" across, bloom in summer, in warmest microclimates. Hard, brown seed capsules, 1/4" across, persist on tree year-round. Tan, shredding bark in papery sheets. 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 need to establish and maintain a central leader, and to develop good branch structure. Sidewalk clean-up during flower drop TOLERANCES: Drought (once established), poor drainage, any soil, fog. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Prefers sun. Does not tolerate wind. Subject to poor rooting, multiple leaders. When planting, handle rootball with care or tree will go into transplant shock and die. Needs extra water in hot conditions. NOTABLE TRAITS: Native to Australia. Flowers look like snow on branches in the summer. Good tree beneath overhead wires. Good in wet soil, poor drainage. Disease and pest resistant. Flowers attract birds. ALTERNATE FORMS: Related to M. alternifolia, the shrub where tea tree oil comes from.