Callistemon sieberi

River Bottlebrush

Open to dense weeping shrub with fissured bark on older plants.

Additional information

• SynonymCallistemon paludosus, Melaleuca paludicola
• FamilyMyrtaceae
• StoreyMiddle storey
• Size3-10 m x 2-6 m
• Plant groupingShrubs 1.5-10 m
• LeavesStiff narrow leaves with sharp point on end, 3-5 cm x 2-5 mm. New growth silvery with silky hairs.
• Flower colourCream, pink
• Flowering timeNovember to March
• FlowersCream, occasionally pink, bottlebrush flowers in spikes to 5 cm long along branchlets.
• Bird attractingGeneral - food and habitat
• Butterfly attractingNectar for butterflies
• Frog habitatNo
• Growing conditionsWet to moist conditions, growing along river banks. Clay soils. Frost tolerant. Full sun or part shade.
• Garden useScreening, weeping over pond areas. Tolerates dry conditions once established. Grow in poorly drained sites. Pruning beneficial.
• Commercially availableAustralian plant & indigenous nurseries
• Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from very few local sites. More common outside the Shire boundary.
• Aboriginal Use Food - honey
• Related speciesSome states recognise that all callistemons are now Melaleuca. In Victoria they are still recognised as Callistemon.

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