Leptospermum scoparium

Alpine Manuka

Physical Traits & Growth

Typical max. heightiMaximum height in typical conditions, in metres. Full data also shows maximum achievable height in exceptional conditions.: 2.5m 3

Max. canopy widthiLikely maximum horizontal width of the canopy, in metres: Bushy, 1.5-2.5m wide 2

Size of shadowiSize of shadow based on a fully grown tree, categorised as low, medium or high: Low (5 sqm)

Canopy densityiShading intensity of the canopy when in full leaf. Categorised from open to dense.: Dense 6

Leaf emergenceiTime of leaf emergence, categorised as very early, early, late, or evergreen: Evergreen

Growth rateiHow quickly the tree grows during establishment. Categorised as low, moderate or high, with very high used in exceptional cases.: Moderate 9

LongevityiExpected lifespan of the tree: 60 years 8

Management & Systems

Approach to silvicultureiCoppicing and pollarding ability: Intolerant of hard pruning 10

Establishment requirementsiCommon requirements to establish the tree: Requires shelter 13

Management requirementsiCommon long-term management needs such as pruning. Categorised as low, moderate or high.:
Minimal or no pruning 1
Prune by pinching back shoot tips 7

Pruning timeiOptimal season for pruning: After flowering, May 2

Leptospermum scoparium/ Bee Happy Plants & Seeds

Products & Economy

Food productsiCommon food products such as fruits and nuts: –

Wood productsiCommon wood products, including timber, turnery, and pulp: Carving 10

BiomassiCommon biomass products such as fuelwood: –

Speciality productsiOther speciality and niche products: Essential oils, manuka honey 6

Time until market (food)iNumber of years until the tree produces food products: –

Time until market (timber)iNumber of years until the tree produces wood products: Unknown

Ecology & Utility

Nutrient and organic matter accumulationiRough estimate of soil-improving properties, with larger and deeper-rooting trees predicted to have higher value. Categorised as low, moderate or high.: Low – shallow roots and low canopy area

Nitrogen fixationiNitrogen-fixing properties, categorised as yes or no: No

High carbon sequestrationiAll trees sequester carbon, but faster-growing, larger trees generally have higher sequestration potential.:
Short-term (20 years): Relatively low
Medium-term (40 years): Very low
Long-term (60 years): Very low

Native status in the UKiCategorised as native, long-established, or recent introduction.: Recent introduction (neophyte) 3

High wildlife valueiMost trees are likely to be of some value to wildlife, but some trees are of generally higher value to various wildlife groups: Likely moderate based on neophyte status balanced against pollinator value

Pollinators

Flowering period (pollinator benefit)iTypical flowering months: Late spring and summer 4

High pollen and nectar value for pollinatorsiValue of flowers to pollinators: High 5

Susceptibility & Risks

Risk of toxicity to livestockiReported potential toxicity to livestock, categorised as yes or no. Toxicity is complex and often context-specific.: None known

Risks to farming operationsiOther risks such as suckering roots, very large tree size, secondary host for aphids, and flammability: None known

Disease susceptibilityiSusceptibility of the tree (not tree products) to diseases, e.g. fungal and bacterial disease:
Low
Rarely susceptible to honey fungus 2
No diseases of note 15

Invertebrate pest susceptibilityiSusceptibility of the tree (not tree products) to invertebrate pests, e.g. aphids and other insects:
Low
Generally pest-free 215

Vertebrate damage susceptibilityiSusceptibility of the tree (not tree products) to vertebrate pests, e.g. squirrels and deer:
Low
No pests of note 15