The Bottle Brush Bush

The bottle brush bush gained its name from the reddish flowers that form on its branches. The picture here is from my yard that is why I am calling it a bush. Although it is properly called a tree, some species grow slower than others.

In my research, I discovered there are two different kinds and one is preferred over the other. Click this link to learn a bit more about this ‘tree’ and its characteristics.

https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/manateeco/2023/02/15/is-bottlebrush-invasive/

This bottle brush bush came with my house so I am interested to know how to make it grow. I recently gave it a ‘haircut’ thinking it may not bloom again, but as you can see it did. I ran my hand up the flowered brush and a distinctive residue with a scent covered my hand. I discovered this is pollen and the reason the tree attracts birds and bees.

https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/manateeco/2023/02/15/is-bottlebrush-invasive/

From a common source, I also discovered they are woody aromatic trees, and different parts of this herb flower are used in common remedies for the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, and rheumatism. It is also used as a water accent, anticough, anti-bronchitis, and insecticide in folk medicine. The innumerable medicinal properties and therapeutic uses of C.

Who knew this attractive yet woody plant could have so many attributes? But there is a dark side. Its sister plant the weeping bottle brush is invasive and not allowed in some states. So what do you do if you want a bottle brush bush/tree that weeps with drooping branches? You find just the right place to plant it and watch it grow into a beautiful tree that provides lots of shade.

https://www.gardenia.net/plant/callistemon-viminalis

This may be more info than you wanted to know about this bush-to-be tree, but its beauty intrigues me and I hope it does you too!

Stay tuned as I experiment in my yard with flora and fauna along with more trees!

Dr. Michele

October 13,2024