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lemon bottlebrush
Scientific Name: Callistemon pallidus
Family: Myrtaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Lemon Bottlebrush (Callistemon citrinus)
The Lemon Bottlebrush, also known as Crimson Bottlebrush or Scarlet Bottlebrush, is a striking evergreen shrub or small tree prized for its distinctive flowers and aromatic foliage.
Considerations for Pets
- The leaves of Callistemon citrinus have a slight lemony flavor when crushed, which might be appealing to some animals.
- The plant is known to attract wildlife.
Considerations for Children
- The leaves of Callistemon citrinus have a slight lemony flavor when crushed, which might be appealing to some children.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Callistemon citrinus
- Family: Myrtaceae (Myrtle Family)
- Synonyms: Callistemon pallidus (mentioned as a synonym in some contexts)
- Pronunciation: kal-liss-STEE-mawn sih-TRY-nus
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Australia, specifically from swampy areas of Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland. Also native to Tasmania, NSW, ACT and Victoria.
- Also found in New Caledonia.
- Naturalized in Louisiana and Puerto Rico.
- Thrives in U.S. Department of Agricultural plant hardiness zones 8b through 10.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Typically grows as a small upright tree or large shrub, reaching 6-12 ft (2-4 m) tall and 6-9 ft (2-3 m) wide, but can reach 20-25 feet tall under optimal conditions.
- Can be trained into a narrow, rounded-headed tree with staking and pruning.
- Evergreen shrub growing to 4.5 m (14ft) by 2.5 m (8ft) at a medium rate.
- Leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, approximately 3 inches long.
- Features bright red flower clusters, 4-6 inches long, in a characteristic "bottlebrush" shape. Some varieties, such as Callistemon pallidus, have pale yellow flowers.
- Leaves are lemon-scented when crushed, giving the plant its common name.
Ecological Role
- Attracts wildlife with its bright red flowers.
Cultivation
- Fairly hardy once established and can tolerate droughts and high temperatures.
- Prefers full sun and well-drained soil but can tolerate sandy or clay soils, even poorly drained areas.
- Requires regular watering when young and occasional irrigation when established.
- Suitable for containers or landscape use.
Quirky Facts
- The common name "bottlebrush" perfectly describes the plant's bright red flower spikes.
- The species name citrinus refers to the lemon scent of the leaves when crushed.