How to identify Snow-in-summer (Melaleuca linariifolia)

How to identify Snow-in-summer (Melaleuca linariifolia)

Snow-in-summer, also known as Flax-leaved paperbark

Snow-in-summer is a robust, quickly-growing small tree or large shrub reaching heights of up to 30 feet (9 meters) and extending about 20 feet (6 meters) wide. Distinctive, soft, spongy, white bark characterizes this plant, typically peeling in layers. The foliage is comprised of dark green, linear leaves up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in length, which in their youth, give the plant a willowy appearance. Upon maturation, snow-in-summer develops a broad, umbrella-like crown. It produces small, white, bottle-brush-like flowers which bloom in the summer. This species can endure temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-6.7 degrees Celsius).

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Snow-in-summer

Distinctive white, spongy bark peels in layers.

Dark green, linear leaves up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in length.

Broad, umbrella-like crown in maturity.

Produces small, white, bottle-brush-like summer flowers.

Tolerates temperatures as low as 20°F (-6.7°C).

Snow-in-summer and Their Similar Plants

Punk tree vs. Snow-in-summer: What's The Difference?

The punk tree (Melaleuca quinquenervia) is a plant considered to be an invasive species in the Everglades in Florida. It was brought to the United States from its native Australia and crowds out native vegetation.

Pink melaleuca vs. Snow-in-summer: What's The Difference?

Pink melaleuca (Melaleuca nesophila) is a flowering shrub found in western Australia. It is cultivated as a drought-tolerant ornamental shrub. The characteristic pink "pom-pom" flowers bloom from spring to mid-summer. Pink melaleuca has unfortunately become an environmental weed after being introduced on Australia's east coast where it crowds out native plants.

Prickly-leaved paperbark vs. Snow-in-summer: What's The Difference?

The prickly-leaved paperbark (Melaleuca styphelioides) is native to Australia. With attractive bark, foliage and flowers, it is a good tree for the garden, for containers, and for bonsai. Its prickly leaves provide a safe place for birds to nest. The tiny brown fruit are eaten by wildlife, but the litter can be a nuisance.

Swamp honey-myrtle vs. Snow-in-summer: What's The Difference?

The swamp honey-myrtle is a popular garden shrub, mostly used as a background plant. The popularity of this myrtle comes from its low care requirements and attractive appearance, including its scaling bark and showy flowers. These flowers are attractive to a wide range of pollinators and will bring birds, bees, and butterflies to the garden.

Cross-leaf honey-myrtle vs. Snow-in-summer: What's The Difference?

Cross-leaf honey-myrtle have the classic papery-bark of this genus along with attractive brush-like blooms in a lavender color. The plant is quite hardy and can thrive in many different types of soil with little adverse effects to its health.

Saltwater paperbark vs. Snow-in-summer: What's The Difference?

Melaleuca cuticularis is a visually striking tree with almost paper-like white bark and dark green foliage. It can be found around estuaries and other salt-laden, moist soils, making it a tolerant species for use in saline soil types.

Bracelet honey-myrtle vs. Snow-in-summer: What's The Difference?

The bracelet honey-myrtle is a fast-growing, relatively small evergreen tree or shrub that is used as a screen or a living fence. This plant is native to South Australia and provides excellent bird habitat. Its leaves are also a favorite diet of the sawfly. This shrub is considered a major environmental weed in Victoria.

Identify Snow-in-summer easily and quickly

We're also capable of identifying over 12,000 types of plants, flowers, succulents, and trees in your surroundings.

Identify a Plant Online

Key Facts About Snow-in-summer

Attributes of Snow-in-summer

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Leaf Color

Green

Blue

Flower Size

4 cm

Flower Color

White

Leaf type

Evergreen

Identify plants with a snap

Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.

Download the App for Free

Scientific Classification of Snow-in-summer

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species

Snow-in-summer (Melaleuca linariifolia)

Learn More About the Snow-in-summer

Distribution Map of Snow-in-summer

Originally from the coastal regions of Eastern Australia, snow-in-summer is now also found in other temperate zones. It has been introduced to parts of the Pacific region, establishing a presence beyond its native habitat. The species has adapted to cultivation in various locations where it's appreciated for its ornamental qualities.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Snow-in-summer

A Comprehensive Guide to Snow-in-summer How to Grow and Care for Snow-in-summer