Narrow-Leaf Myrtle
(Austromyrtus tenuifolia)
Narrow-Leaf Myrtle (Austromyrtus tenuifolia)
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Margaret Donald
CC BY-SA 2.0
Image By:
Margaret Donald
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Margaret Donald | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: MargaretDonald | Publisher: Flickr



















Estimated Native Range
Climate Requirements
• Precipitation | 33" - 54" |
• High Temp. | 74°F - 83°F |
• Low Temp. | 34°F - 48°F |
Summary
Austromyrtus tenuifolia, commonly known as Narrow-Leaf Myrtle, is an evergreen shrub native to rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests in eastern Australia, particularly in New South Wales and Queensland. It typically grows to a height of 1-3 meters with a similar spread. The plant features slender, glossy leaves that are 1.5 to 4 cm long and 1 to 3 mm wide. The white flowers, each with 5 petals, appear on short stalks in late spring and summer and are moderately showy, attracting pollinators. Following flowering, the plant produces distinctive berries that are initially dark purple and then turn white with dark spots upon maturity.
Narrow-Leaf Myrtle is valued for its compact growth habit, attractive foliage, and edible berries, making it suitable for use in mixed borders, as a specimen plant, or for creating low hedges in gardens. It is also used in revegetation projects due to its resilience. This shrub thrives in moist, well-drained soils and benefits from regular watering, especially during dry periods. It can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade. While generally low-maintenance, it may be susceptible to myrtle rust, a fungal disease that affects plants in the Myrtaceae family. To maintain a dense form, occasional pruning is recommended.CC BY-SA 4.0
Narrow-Leaf Myrtle is valued for its compact growth habit, attractive foliage, and edible berries, making it suitable for use in mixed borders, as a specimen plant, or for creating low hedges in gardens. It is also used in revegetation projects due to its resilience. This shrub thrives in moist, well-drained soils and benefits from regular watering, especially during dry periods. It can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade. While generally low-maintenance, it may be susceptible to myrtle rust, a fungal disease that affects plants in the Myrtaceae family. To maintain a dense form, occasional pruning is recommended.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 4-6 feet
- Width: 2-4 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White, Cream, Green
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: High
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Butterfly Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance, Potted Plant
Natural Habitat
Native to rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests in eastern Australia, particularly in New South Wales and Queensland
Other Names
Common Names: Migden-Berry
Scientific Names: Austromyrtus tenuifolia, Myrtus tenuifolia
GBIF Accepted Name: Austromyrtus tenuifolia (Sm.) Burret