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(Agonis flexuosa)
Western Australian Peppermint (Agonis flexuosa)
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Cal Wood
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Cal Wood
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Cal Wood | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Cal Wood | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-11-01T12:30:27-08:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Agonis flexuosa, commonly known as Western Australian Peppermint, is an evergreen tree native to coastal regions, woodlands, and heathlands in Southwestern Australia. It typically grows less than 10 meters tall with a weeping habit, resembling a weeping willow from a distance. The tree features fibrous brown bark and long, narrow, dull-green leaves that emit a strong peppermint scent when crushed. Its small white flowers are tightly clustered in inflorescences and bloom between August and December, adding a subtle charm to the foliage. The leaves can reach up to 150mm in length.
Western Australian Peppermint is valued for its attractive weeping form and the refreshing peppermint aroma of its leaves. It serves as a striking garden or specimen tree in temperate climates and is often used in urban landscaping for its aesthetic appeal. However, it is not ideal for small spaces due to its potential to produce a large amount of leaf litter and develop a disproportionately large trunk. The leaf litter can also suppress understory species, limiting biodiversity around the tree. Agonis flexuosa thrives in full sun to part shade, requires ample water, and prefers soils with medium to fast drainage. While it is quick-growing, gardeners should be aware of its potential to become top-heavy and the need for occasional pruning to maintain balance and structure.CC BY-SA 4.0
Western Australian Peppermint is valued for its attractive weeping form and the refreshing peppermint aroma of its leaves. It serves as a striking garden or specimen tree in temperate climates and is often used in urban landscaping for its aesthetic appeal. However, it is not ideal for small spaces due to its potential to produce a large amount of leaf litter and develop a disproportionately large trunk. The leaf litter can also suppress understory species, limiting biodiversity around the tree. Agonis flexuosa thrives in full sun to part shade, requires ample water, and prefers soils with medium to fast drainage. While it is quick-growing, gardeners should be aware of its potential to become top-heavy and the need for occasional pruning to maintain balance and structure.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 25-35 feet
- Width: 15-30 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Border Plant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Coastal regions, woodlands, and heathlands in Southwestern Australia
Other Names
Common Names: Willow-Peppermint, Western Australian Myrtle, Willow Myrtle, Swan River Peppermint,
Scientific Names: , Agonis flexuosa, Leptospermum flexuosum, Agonis flexuosa var. angustifolia, Billiotia flexuosa, Billotia flexuosa, Billotia flexuosa var. angustifolia, Billottia flexuosa, Billottia flexuosa var. angustifolia, Leptospermum glomeratum
GBIF Accepted Name: Agonis flexuosa (Muhl. ex Willd.) Sweet