Agonis flexuosa
uh-GOE-nis fleks-you-OH-suh

Peppermint Tree, Australian Willow Myrtle
Myrtaceae (Myrtle family)
Origin: Australia

©Street Tree Division
City of Los Angeles - Department of Public Works
Bureau of Street Services

Species characteristics:
Form -Evergreen. Medium fast growing to 35', sometimes slightly taller with equal spread. Fine texture, with a weeping willow like appearance with age.

Trunk -Straight, sometimes twisted, normally low-branching; rough, fibrous, red brown bark. The trunk becomes massive with age.

Foliage -Long, narrow leaves are alternate, lanceolate and slightly curving, reaching 4- 6" in length and 1/4" wide. They are a dull green with a reddish cast, are borne densely and have a unique peppermint odor when crushed. Newer twigs have a distinctive red color.

Flowers/fruit -Small white flowers in chains of 1/2" clusters along the branch tips are borne in abundance in June. The fruits are small capsules, forming inconspicuous balls of 1/4 to 1/2 " in diameter, which persist on the tree from previous years.

No significant pest problems are known at this time.

Site suitability:
Sunset zones -15 -17 and 20- 24.

Clearances -Suitable for 5' minimum parkways, medians or cutouts. Suitable under utility lines for many years due to slow growth and spreading habit.

Good for street sides, medians, and parks.

Culture considerations:
Excellent coastal tree. Tolerates poor soil, strong wind, drought and seaside. Needs fast drainage.