Callistemon citrinus

bottlebrushfull
(Photo by Shenice Price)

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Taxonomy (2)

Classification: Angiosperm, dicot
Family: Myrtaceae
Common name: Lemon bottlebrush, Crimson bottlebrush

General Information (1,2)

Region of Origin: Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, and Queenland
USDA Plants Hardiness Zones: 8b-10
Growth Habit: Large shrub, small tree

  • Size: 6-12 feet tall, 6-9 feet wide
  • Deciduous/Evergreen: Evergreen
  • Flowering: Early spring-summer

Diagnostic Characteristics

Leaves (1,2)

  • Arrangement: Alternate
  • Simple/Compound: Simple
  • Shape: Acute
  • Other: 1-3 inches long, distinctly citrus aroma

Stem/Bark (2)

  • Color: Light brown
  • Texture: Rough

bottlebrushstem
(Photo by Shenice Price)

Flower (1,2)

  • Perfect/Imperfect: Perfect
  • Color: Bright crimson
  • Size: 4-5 inches long

bottlebrushflower
(Photo by Shenice Price)

Fruit (1)

  • Fruit type: Capsule

Horticultural Information (2)

  • Light: Full sun
  • Soil type: Sandy loam
  • Maintenance: Little maintenance required
  • Landscape Uses: Freestanding shrub

Interesting Facts (1)

  • Out of all Callistemon species this is the most heat, cold and soil tolerant.

References

1) Dirr, M. (1998). Manual of woody landscape plants: Their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation and uses (5th ed.). Champaign, Ill.: Stipes Pub.
2) Steve Christman. (08/16/97). Callistemon citrinus. Floridata. April 1, 2013, from http://www.floridata.com/ref/c/cal_cit.cfm

Prepared by Shenice Price as a course requirement for BIOL 3630/5630, Spring 2013
Edited by Jessica Bartek