Eucalyptus arenacea
desert stringybark
south-eastern Australia (western Victoria and south-eastern South Australia)
Overview
Eucalyptus arenacea is an evergreen tree in the family Myrtaceae, growing 30–80 feet (9–25 m) tall with a single trunk and a spreading crown. The bark is grey-brown, fibrous, and stringy, holding to the trunk and larger branches. Adult leaves are lance-shaped, 3–6 inches (7.5–15 cm) long, dull green to grey-green, and arranged alternately. White flowers open in clusters of seven or more buds, mainly through summer and autumn, followed by woody cup-shaped capsules about 0.3 inch (8 mm) across. The tree is native to sandy heathland and woodland in western Victoria and south-eastern South Australia, as the species name, from the Latin for sand, reflects. It tolerates drought, heat, and poor sandy soils once established and is hardy to moderate frost. As a large tree it needs room away from buildings, and the fibrous bark and shed branches add fuel in fire-prone areas. It grows on deep, free-draining sandy soils and declines in wet, heavy ground.
Native Range
Eucalyptus arenacea is native to south-eastern Australia, in western Victoria and south-eastern South Australia. It grows in sandy heathland and open woodland on deep, free-draining sands.Suggested Uses
Planted as a shade and habitat tree in large gardens, parks, and rural properties on sandy soils. Used in revegetation and shelterbelts in heathland and sandy woodland. Grown where its flowers feed insects and nectar-feeding birds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height30' - 80'
Width/Spread20' - 40'
Reaches mature size in approximately 25 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
dull green to grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-11 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Eucalyptus arenacea in full sun in deep, free-draining sandy soil with room for a large tree. It tolerates drought, heat, and low-nutrient sand once established and is hardy to moderate frost. Water young trees through their first dry seasons to settle the roots, after which it needs little extra water. Sharp drainage is needed, as it declines in wet, heavy ground. It grows in acidic to neutral soils. Lower branches can be removed to lift the canopy as the tree matures.Pruning
Prune Eucalyptus arenacea while young to establish a clear single trunk and take out low or crossing branches. Mature trees need little pruning beyond removing dead or damaged wood. Heavy cutting of large limbs is kept to a minimum, as it can lead to weak regrowth.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter