Leptospermum lanigerum, commonly known as the woolly teatree,[2] is a small tree or medium shrub from the plant family Myrtaceae.

[3] Its common name derives from the conspicuously hairy capsules produced as fruit, along with the fine, silky hairs present on branches and leaves.

L. lanigerum is widespread in many habitats, particularly in waterlogged areas such as moist, sandy coastal heaths, on river banks, riparian scrub, woodlands and on the fringe of montane grasslands.

[4] Flowers possess the typical characteristics present within the genus Leptospermum; five free, white petals, many stamens and five small sepals; although the most distinctive feature is the persistent hairy capsules and the silvery appearance of mature foliage.

[9] Like all species in the family Myrtaceae, L. lanigerum leaves are dotted with small oil containing glands, and when crushed emit a strong, characteristic aroma.

[9] Numerous flowers are produced either in late spring, early summer or sporadically throughout the year, situated terminally on short side branches.

This bark helps provide some protection to the trunk and epicormic buds from fire, allowing the tree to potentially grow back when burnt.

[4] Plants are common and widespread, predominantly found in wet, swampy areas and along river banks, sandy coastal heaths or within woodlands.

[23] The hardy nature and preferred habitat of this plant makes it useful in riparian restoration and stream bank stabilisation, as they thrive in swampy areas where many other species do not.

Swamp forests form in flat, poorly drained sites and contain a closed tree canopy made from sclerophyllous species of the genera Leptospermum, Acacia and Melaleuca.

Like many other species within the family Myrtaceae, the seeds of L. lanigerum are encased in woody capsules and often remain on the tree for a number of years after reaching maturity.

[27] In some cases, where trees are tightly packed, the fire destroys only the main branches leaving the underground portions and protected trunks of the plants to survive.

[29] The nectar, along with the insects present, also attracts other animals such as birds, making Leptospermum species and other Myrtaceae genera popular garden plants.

[31] Most Myrtaceae species (including the genus Leptospermum) are mycorrhizal, forming relationships with fungi to assist in increasing root surface area for greater uptake in nutrients.

Scale insects can suck the sap from stems and leaves and secrete a substance that causes sooty mould to grow, blackening the foliage.