Broad-leaved paperbark (niaouli) Melaleuca quinquenervia
Broad-leaved paperbark (niaouli) (Melaleuca quinquenervia) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Myrtaceae family, native to Coastal swamps of eastern Australia, New Caledonia and New Guinea. It grows 8–20 m (26–66 ft) tall and 5–10 m (16–33 ft) wide, wants full sun and high water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 6 m (20 ft) apart.
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Broad-leaved paperbark (niaouli) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Mature height | 8–20 m (26–66 ft) |
| Mature spread | 5–10 m (16–33 ft) |
| Spacing | 6 m (20 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance high |
| Soil pH | 4.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | about 156–261 weeks after planting, for 6–10 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Coastal swamps of eastern Australia, New Caledonia and New Guinea |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇧🇷 Brazil |
| Invasive in | Florida (Everglades), Puerto Rico, the Bahamas: check local rules before planting |
Is Broad-leaved paperbark (niaouli) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: essential oil
The leaf oil (niaouli oil) is poisonous if swallowed; flowering trees can trigger breathing allergies.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Broad-leaved paperbark (niaouli)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and high water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Guava: Myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) infects guava, feijoa, Surinam cherry and many other Myrtaceae; it spreads by airborne spores between them. Evidence B
Questions about Broad-leaved paperbark (niaouli)
- How far apart should I plant Broad-leaved paperbark (niaouli)?
- About 6 m (20 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 5–10 m (16–33 ft).
- Does Broad-leaved paperbark (niaouli) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Broad-leaved paperbark (niaouli) need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance high.
- How cold-hardy is Broad-leaved paperbark (niaouli)?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Broad-leaved paperbark (niaouli) flower?
- About 156–261 weeks after planting, for 6–10 weeks.
- Is Broad-leaved paperbark (niaouli) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. The leaf oil (niaouli oil) is poisonous if swallowed; flowering trees can trigger breathing allergies.
- What grows well with Broad-leaved paperbark (niaouli)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Broad-leaved paperbark (niaouli). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- PlantNET: the NSW Flora Online, National Herbarium of New South Wales, Botanic Gardens of Sydney
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
- Florida Invasive Species Council plant list (Category I and II), Florida Invasive Species Council (formerly FLEPPC)
Notes and assumptions
- Thick, spongy layers of white papery bark, leathery leaves and cream bottlebrushes rich in nectar. Grows in waterlogged ground and survives fire. Planted in the early 1900s to “dry out” the Florida Everglades, it now covers huge areas there and is one of the state’s worst invasive plants.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lemon myrtle Backhousia citriodora
- Guava Psidium guajava
- Feijoa Acca sellowiana
- Surinam cherry (pitanga) Eugenia uniflora
- Cider gum (eucalyptus) Eucalyptus gunnii
- Lilly pilly Syzygium smithii
- Crimson bottlebrush Melaleuca citrina
- Mānuka (tea tree) Leptospermum scoparium