Callistemon pallidus

Lemon Bottlebrush

Dense upright large shrub locally with silky, silvery or reddish new growth.

SynonymMelaleuca pallida
FamilyMyrtaceae
StoreyMiddle storey
Size3-6 m x 2-5 m
Plant groupingShrubs 1.5-10 m
LeavesThick elliptic grey-green leaves with a sharp point, densely dotted with glands; 3-7 cm x 9-15 mm.
Flower colourCream to lemon
Flowering timeSeptember to January
FlowersMany flowers in crowded bottlebrush spikes 3-7 cm long.
Bird attractingGeneral - food and habitat
Butterfly attractingNectar for butterflies
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsWell drained rocky sites at higher altitudes. Frost and snow tolerant. Full sun, semi and partial shade.
Garden useAttractive shrub for a medium screen or windbreak. Very adaptable in cultivation, tolerant of both waterlogging and dry sites. Pruning beneficial but naturally dense.
Commercially availableSpecialist Australian plant nursery.Taller local form not commonly available.
Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions. Occurs in limited populations within the Shire.
Aboriginal Use Food - honey
Related speciesSome states recognise that all callistemons are now Melaleuca. In Victoria they are still recognised as Callistemon.