Narrow-leaved paperbark (tea tree, source of tea tree oil) Melaleuca alternifolia
Narrow-leaved paperbark (tea tree, source of tea tree oil) (Melaleuca alternifolia) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Myrtaceae family, native to Swampy ground of north-east New South Wales and south-east Queensland. It grows 4–7 m (13–23 ft) tall and 3–5 m (10–16 ft) wide, wants full sun and high water, and is hardy to about -5 °C (23 °F). Space plants about 3 m (10 ft) apart.
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Narrow-leaved paperbark (tea tree, source of tea tree oil) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Mature height | 4–7 m (13–23 ft) |
| Mature spread | 3–5 m (10–16 ft) |
| Spacing | 3 m (10 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance high |
| Soil pH | 4.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -5 °C (23 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | about 104–209 weeks after planting, for 3–6 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Swampy ground of north-east New South Wales and south-east Queensland |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇿🇦 South Africa |
Is Narrow-leaved paperbark (tea tree, source of tea tree oil) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: severely toxic
- Dogs: severely toxic
- Parts: essential oil
Tea tree oil is poisonous if swallowed, and even small amounts on the skin or fur have poisoned cats and dogs (weakness, tremors, collapse). The living plant is not a known hazard.
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 Narrow-leaved paperbark (tea tree, source of tea tree oil)
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 Narrow-leaved paperbark (tea tree, source of tea tree oil)
- How far apart should I plant Narrow-leaved paperbark (tea tree, source of tea tree oil)?
- About 3 m (10 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–5 m (10–16 ft).
- Does Narrow-leaved paperbark (tea tree, source of tea tree oil) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Narrow-leaved paperbark (tea tree, source of tea tree oil) need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance high.
- How cold-hardy is Narrow-leaved paperbark (tea tree, source of tea tree oil)?
- It tolerates about -5 °C (23 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Narrow-leaved paperbark (tea tree, source of tea tree oil) flower?
- About 104–209 weeks after planting, for 3–6 weeks.
- Is Narrow-leaved paperbark (tea tree, source of tea tree oil) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is severely toxic; for dogs severely toxic; for people moderately toxic. Tea tree oil is poisonous if swallowed, and even small amounts on the skin or fur have poisoned cats and dogs (weakness, tremors, collapse). The living plant is not a known hazard.
- What grows well with Narrow-leaved paperbark (tea tree, source of tea tree oil)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Narrow-leaved paperbark (tea tree, source of tea tree oil). 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
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- A papery-barked small tree with soft, needle-like leaves and fluffy white flowers in spring. Its leaves are distilled for tea tree oil, now farmed on plantations in northern NSW; Bundjalung people used crushed leaves on wounds long before.
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