Leptospermum laevigatum
Australian tea tree
(c) Tony Rebelo, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Tony Rebelo · licence
Family: Myrtaceae · Type: Shrub / Tree · Not Native
Conservation status: Cal-IPC Yes
Leptospermum laevigatum (Australian tea tree) is a non-native California shrub / tree in the Myrtaceae family, recognized by Non-native naturalized species from southeastern Australia; only Leptospermum established in California.
Australian tea tree is a naturalized shrub found in the central Coast Ranges in uncommon, disturbed coastal areas at elevations below 50 meters. Flowering in spring, this plant produces white flowers 1.5 to 2 centimeters wide with ephemeral petals and up to 20 delicate stamens. Growing with a spreading trunk and reaching moderate heights, it develops distinctive alternate leaves 10 to 25 millimeters long that are oblanceolate to obovate-oblong with three inconspicuous main veins. Its leaves have blunt or slightly pointed tips and appear somewhat leathery in texture. The fruit is approximately 7 to 8 millimeters wide with valve edges slightly protruding beyond the surface.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Non-native naturalized species from southeastern Australia; only Leptospermum established in California
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Disturbed coastal areas
Elevation: < 50 m
California counties: San Mateo, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, Ventura, Los Angeles, San Diego, Shasta, Santa Barbara, Tulare, Monterey, Alameda, Santa Clara
Outside California: native to southeastern Australia
Bloom period
Leptospermum laevigatum blooms Spring.
Conservation status
Cal-IPC Yes
How to tell it apart
vs Gaudium: Check flower structure and leaf shape for genus-specific features; vs Prunus: Prunus has stone fruits and glands on leaf stalks; tea tree has dry capsules and aromatic leaves; vs Chamelaucium: Waxflower has opposite needle-like leaves; tea tree has alternate broader leaves; vs Erica: Heath has tiny whorled leaves and urn-shaped flowers; tea tree has broader alternate leaves; vs Ceanothus: California lilac has opposite leaves and blue flower clusters; tea tree has alternate leaves
Frequently asked questions
Is Leptospermum laevigatum native to California?
No. Leptospermum laevigatum is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Leptospermum laevigatum bloom?
Leptospermum laevigatum blooms Spring.
Where in California does Leptospermum laevigatum grow?
Leptospermum laevigatum occurs in San Mateo, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, Ventura, Los Angeles, San Diego, Shasta, Santa Barbara and other counties, at elevations of < 50 m.
What plant family does Leptospermum laevigatum belong to?
Leptospermum laevigatum is in the Myrtaceae family, genus Leptospermum.
Is Leptospermum laevigatum invasive in California?
Leptospermum laevigatum is listed by Cal-IPC with an invasiveness rating of Yes.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.