Common Name: Coast Tea Tree

General Information

Leptospermum laevigatum is an evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow up to 5 metres tall and wide[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a tea. It is used in soil stabilization projects in Australia and New Zealand[], and is also often grown as an ornamental, where it can be used as a hedge.
Leptospermum laevigatum is a native of coastal heath communities, tolerant of salt spray and invading coastal vegetation. It can form extensive and dense thickets that displace the native vegetation. The masses of fine roots in the top soil allow an efficient exploitation of soil moisture and competition with native plants. It has escaped from cultivation and is a serious environmental weed in southern Western Australia and also in South Africa and Hawaii. It would probably be best to not plant it outside of its natural range[, ].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

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Range

Australia - Tasmania, Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales

Habitat

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[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Leptospermum laevigatum is not a very cold-hardy plant, able to tolerate short periods with temperatures down to around -5°c when fully dormant[].
Succeed in almost any neutral or acid soil of good or reasonable quality[], preferring a light sandy loam and full sun[]. Prefers a position sheltered from hot or cold drying winds[]. This is a hardy shrub for moist soils in a range of climates and is particularly useful in coastal areas as it is tolerant of salt spray[].
Often grown as an ornamental, there are many named varieties[].
Resents root disturbance[].
The plant does not regenerate from old wood[]. Unlike several species in this genus, this plant can be pruned severely if necessary[].
A good bee plant[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

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

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant has an extensive root system and is an effective sand binder, it can be planted for stabilizing sandhills and general erosion control[, ].
Can be grown as a hedge, especially in maritime areas[].

Other Uses

None known

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[].
Cuttings of almost mature wood, 4 - 5 cm with a heel, autumn in a frame. Good percentage[].