Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River Red Gum)

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Eucalyptus camaldulensis

river red gum

Myrtaceae Mainland Australia

Attracts Pollinators Drought Tolerant

SunFull Sun

WaterMedium · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Eucalyptus camaldulensis is a large evergreen tree native to mainland Australia, lining inland rivers and floodplains across every mainland state. Mature trees reach 65-148 feet (20-45 m) with a broad, spreading crown and a stout trunk. The smooth bark sheds in patches to leave a mottled surface of white, grey, yellow, and red-brown. Adult leaves are lance-shaped, 3-12 inches (8-30 cm) long, dull grey-green, and hang from the branches. Clusters of creamy-white flowers, each a boss of stamens about 0.4 inch (10 mm) wide, open mainly in summer and carry nectar that draws bees, birds, and insects. Woody capsules 0.2-0.4 inch (5-10 mm) wide follow. The tree forms hollows used by birds and mammals and tolerates both flooding and long drought. Old trees are prone to dropping large limbs without warning, and the spreading roots and great size make it unsuited to small or built-up sites.

Native Range

Native to mainland Australia, occurring in every mainland state along seasonal and permanent watercourses, floodplains, and inland river systems.

Suggested Uses

Planted for shade, shelter, and habitat in parks, farms, and along watercourses in large rural landscapes, and grown for timber and honey production. The hollows of old trees support birds and mammals. Its size, litter, and limb drop make it unsuited to small gardens or areas near buildings and traffic.

How to Identify

Recognized by smooth, mottled bark in patches of white, grey, and red-brown over a stout trunk, and a broad spreading crown of dull grey-green lance-shaped leaves. Creamy-white stamen flowers and small woody capsules are typical. A streamside or floodplain setting is characteristic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height65' - 148'

Width/Spread50' - 100'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Spring Summer

Creamy-white flowers open mainly in summer, between about November and February, though timing varies with region and rainfall. Each flower is a cluster of stamens that draws bees and birds. Woody seed capsules form afterward and persist on the branches.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

grey-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 8-12 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 8.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

clay loam sand

Drainageaverage

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

10-20 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Eucalyptus camaldulensis grows in full sun on heavy clay, loam, or sand and tolerates seasonal flooding as well as extended drought once established. It grows naturally where roots can reach groundwater but survives drier inland sites. The tree is fast-growing and needs no fertilizer in reasonable soils. It tolerates frost to about 20 F (-7 C) when mature. Mature trees shed bark, leaves, and sometimes large limbs, creating litter and a falling-branch hazard. Its eventual size and vigorous roots make it suited only to large, open landscapes.

Pruning

Formative pruning when young can establish a single strong trunk and lift the canopy. Mature trees are usually left unpruned except to remove dead or hazardous limbs. Large pruning wounds heal slowly and can admit decay.