Leptospermum scoparium - Tea Tree

Ruby Glow Tea Tree is one of several Tea trees commonly seen here, perhaps not the most common but maybe the showiest. It is a small evergreen tree or large shrub, 10' or so and about the same width. Often with lower branches are removed so it looks like a small multi-stemmed tree with showy bark.

Leaves are evergreen, alternate, simple, linear to oblanceolate, 1/3 -1/2" long, sharply pointed, smelling of citrus.

Small double red flowers, borne in large mass almost covering the tree.

Fruit is a small woody capsule, about 1/4" diameter.

Bark is very attractive and is a good reason to lift some of the lower branches.

Misidentification: Any other tea tree, unless in bloom.
Locations: 206 El Salto
333 Arthur Ave. has 3 different cultivars in the yard