Leptospermum laevigatum - (Gaertn.)F.Muell.

Common Name

Coast Tea Tree, Australian teatree

Family

Myrtaceae

USDA hardiness

8-11

Known Hazards

None known

Habitats

Found mainly on sand dunes and the coastlines of south and south-east Australia, occasionally inland on sandy soils, often in harsh windswept places where it only grows about 1 metre tall[167].

Range

Australia - New South Wales, Victoria.

Edibility Rating

(1 of 5)

Other Uses

(3 of 5)

Weed Potential

Medicinal Rating

(0 of 5)

Care (info)


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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Leptospermum laevigatum is an evergreen Shrub growing to 9 m (29ft 6in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Tea

The dried leaves are used for making tea[183].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

None known

References More on Medicinal Uses

Other Uses

Hedge Hedge Soil stabilization

An effective sand binder, it can be planted for soil stabilization[167]. Can be grown as a hedge, especially in maritime areas[167].

Special Uses

Attracts Wildlife Hedge Hedge

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeed in almost any neutral or acid soil of good or reasonable quality[167], preferring a light sandy loam and full sun[200]. Prefers a position sheltered from hot or cold drying winds[200]. Only succeeds outdoors in the mild areas of Britain[200]. Resents root disturbance[200]. Does not regenerate from old wood[200]. A good bee plant[167]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Celsius Fahrenheit:

Plant Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts, and give some protection from the cold for their first winter or two outdoors. The seed remains viable for many years. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8 cm with a heel, early August in a frame. Over-winter in the greenhouse for its first year. Good percentage[78]. Cuttings of almost mature wood, 4 - 5 cm with a heel, October/November in a frame. Good percentage[78].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

AUSTRALASIA: Australia (Tasmania, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it's worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

IUCN Red List

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Leptospermum ericoides		Shrub	3.0	7-10		LMH	N	M	1	1	2
Leptospermum lanigerum	woolly tea-tree	Shrub	5.0	7-10	M	LM	N	M	2	0	2
Leptospermum liversidgei	Lemon-Scented Tea Tree	Shrub	4.0	7-10		LMH	N	M	2	1	2
Leptospermum petersonii	Lemon Tea Tree, Common teatree	Shrub	4.5	8-11		LMH	N	M	1	1	2
Leptospermum polygalifolium		Shrub	3.0	7-10		LMH	N	M	1	0	2
Leptospermum scoparium	Tea Tree, Broom teatree, Manuka, New Zealand Tea Tree	Shrub	5.0	8-11	M	LMH	N	DM	3	0	3

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

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Expert comment

Author

(Gaertn.)F.Muell.

Botanical References

200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here