Melaleuca argentea

A medium, evergreen tree with a round, weeping canopy. It strongly resembles Salix babylonica, but it is much more resistant and is therefore a worthy competitor. In Israel it will reach a height of about 10 meters at most, but in the area of its origin there are also individuals over 20 meters high, and some that have reached 45 meters! Melaleuca, like a significant number of its siblings, is characterized by a trunk with a spongy texture that peels significantly. This trunk creates a dramatic and sculptural appearance. It can be designed with one trunk or with multiple. Melaleuca’s leaves are silvery, long and narrow, almost lanceolate. The leaves are aromatic when crushed. The abundance of leaves creates considerable shade. The tree is characterized by a prolonged white flower that begins in winter and continues into spring. The flowers appear in long inflorescences on the ends of the branches. The flowers are fragrant and rich in pollen and attract bees. The tree’s fruit are small, hard capsules that are spread about the branches.

The tree is resistant to the variety of climate conditions in Israel, and it will thrive in most soil types. An additional reason for its success in Israel is the fact that it requires very minimal water, and it prefers well drained soil. It should be frequently watered only until it is established as an adult, and then it benefits from watering once a month in warm months to preserve its vital appearance. It is not suitable for high mountain areas because it does not tolerate prolonged cold and strong winds. It is considered very resistant to diseases and pests and is definitely a recommended tree for many and varied uses. This is a tree with a dramatic and impressive appearance that very durable and considerably weeping, which will attract attention wherever it is planted.