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Eucalyptus crebra

narrow-leaved red ironbark

Myrtaceae Eastern Australia

Attracts Pollinators Drought Tolerant Fragrant (light)

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Eucalyptus crebra is an evergreen tree in the family Myrtaceae, reaching 50-115 feet (15-35 m) tall with a straight trunk and an open, spreading crown. The bark is dark grey to black, hard, deeply furrowed, and held over the whole trunk and larger branches as a persistent ironbark. Adult leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, 2.5-6 inches (6-15 cm) long and about 0.3-0.6 inch (8-15 mm) wide, dull grey-green and hanging from the branches. Small white flowers about 0.3 inch (8 mm) across appear in branched clusters mainly from winter into spring, followed by small woody capsules 0.2-0.3 inch (5-7 mm) across. The species grows across eastern Australia, from Queensland through New South Wales, in dry sclerophyll forest and woodland on clay, loam, and gravelly soils, often on slopes and ridges. It withstands drought, heat, and moderate frost once established through a deep root system. The hard, dark-red timber is durable and used for posts, sleepers, and heavy construction. The flowers are a source of nectar for honey production. The roots range widely and the canopy is large, so the tree is planted well clear of buildings and paving. Shed bark and branches collect beneath the canopy.

Native Range

Eucalyptus crebra is native to eastern Australia, from Queensland through New South Wales into northern Victoria. It grows in dry sclerophyll forest and woodland on clay, loam, and gravelly soils, often on slopes and ridges in inland and subcoastal districts.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a shade, shelter, and habitat tree in large rural and parkland settings. Used in revegetation, windbreaks, and farm forestry for its durable timber. The flowers support honey production and feed nectar-eating birds and insects.

How to Identify

Identify Eucalyptus crebra by its dark grey to black, hard, deeply furrowed ironbark held over the trunk and larger branches. Adult leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, 2.5-6 inches (6-15 cm) long, dull grey-green, and hanging. White flowers in branched clusters are followed by small woody capsules 0.2-0.3 inch (5-7 mm) across. The narrow leaves and small fruit separate it from the broader-leaved Eucalyptus sideroxylon.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height50' - 115'

Width/Spread30' - 50'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~10 weeks

Winter Spring

Flowering occurs mainly from winter into spring, around May to September in its native range, though timing varies between districts. Small white flowers form in branched clusters at the branch tips. Small woody capsules follow and persist on the tree.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

grey-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-12 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 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

clay loam rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

10-20 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grow Eucalyptus crebra in full sun in well-drained clay, loam, or gravelly soil; it tolerates low fertility and seasonal dryness. Water young trees through the first few years to establish the deep root system, after which the tree withstands extended drought. It tolerates heat and moderate frost. Heavy, waterlogged soils reduce growth and can cause root decline. The roots range widely and the canopy is large, so the tree is planted well clear of buildings and paving. Shed bark and branches collect beneath the tree.

Pruning

Prune young trees to establish a single straight trunk and remove low or competing branches. Eucalyptus crebra needs little pruning once formed, and large limbs are removed while small to limit wounds. Deadwood is cleared from the canopy as it appears.