Melia Azedarach - White Cedar

Melia azedarach, commonly known as White Cedar, is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to northern and eastern Australia and parts of Asia. It’s loved for its masses of fragrant lilac flowers in spring, bright yellow fruit, and spreading canopy that provides excellent summer shade and allows winter sun through. It's a popular choice for streets, parks, and large gardens.

Melia azedarach has deciduous habit, which is relatively uncommon among Australian-native trees. In spring, it bursts into life with masses of fragrant, lilac-purple flowers, followed by bright yellow berries that persist into winter, adding ornamental interest even while leafless.

It also produces a lightweight, fine-grained hardwood that’s been used in furniture-making and cabinetry across Asia and Australia. It's often compared in appearance and workability to mahogany, earning it nicknames like “Persian lilac” or “Indian lilac” in some regions.

🌳 Height:
6–15 metres

🌿 Width:
4–10 metres

🔧 Uses:

• Ornamental shade tree 
• Urban landscaping due to seasonal leaf drop and summer canopy
• Habitat tree for birds and pollinators
• Timber (light, fine-grained; used for furniture, carving, and cabinetry)

🌱 Ideal growing conditions:

• Full sun to light shade
• Well-drained fertile soils, adaptable to a variety of soil types
• Performs well in temperate to subtropical climates

💪 Tolerates:

• Drought, poor soils, and seasonal flooding

💧 Drought hardy:
Yes — copes well with dry spells once established

❄️ Frost tolerant:
Yes — moderately frost-tolerant

🧂 Salt tolerant:
Low — prefers inland or sheltered coastal sites with low salinity