What is a weeping bottlebrush tree?

"Weeping bottlebrush" is the common name of the Callistemon viminalis, a tree native to Australia. It has long, red or green stamens instead of leaves, and it grows to 20 feet tall and 20 feet wide with no pruning.

This evergreen tree has irregular, droopy branches from which the 4-inch stamens hang. The red stamens attract birds, bees and other insects. The weeping bottlebrush needs full sun and does well in dry conditions, but water improves its appearance. However, too much water can cause root problems. The tree grows in Southern California and in South Florida, and as of 2011, it is considered invasive by Florida’s Exotic Pest Plant Council.