Eucalyptus cypellocarpa
mountain grey gum
Overview
Eucalyptus cypellocarpa is a tall evergreen forest tree reaching 65-130 feet (20-40 m), with a straight trunk and a high, open crown that spreads 30-50 feet (9-15 m) wide. The bark is rough and grey at the base and smooth above, grey to bluish, shedding in irregular patches to reveal paler new bark. Adult leaves are glossy green, lance-shaped to curved, and 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) long, releasing an aromatic oil when crushed. White to cream flowers open in clusters through summer, followed by cup-shaped to barrel-shaped woody capsules about 0.3-0.4 inch (7-10 mm) long. E. cypellocarpa grows in tall open forest in the ranges and foothills of south-eastern Australia, on moist, fertile loams. It is frost-hardy and fast-growing. The large mature size and tall trunk suit forestry, parkland, and rural plantings rather than small gardens, and shed bark and branches accumulate beneath the canopy.
Native Range
Eucalyptus cypellocarpa is native to south-eastern Australia, occurring in Victoria and New South Wales. It grows in tall open forest of the ranges and foothills, on moist, fertile soils.Suggested Uses
E. cypellocarpa is grown as a shade, timber, and habitat tree in parks, rural properties, and forestry plantings, spaced 30-50 feet (9-15 m) apart. It is also used in revegetation of foothill forest.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height65' - 130'
Width/Spread30' - 50'
Reaches mature size in approximately 30 years
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs through summer, roughly December to March in the native range. White to cream flowers open in clusters and carry nectar that draws insects and birds. Woody capsules develop afterward and persist on the branches.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to creamFoliage Description
glossy greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 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
E. cypellocarpa grows in full sun in deep, moist, well-drained loams. Watering through the first two to three growing seasons supports establishment, after which trees tolerate seasonal dry periods. It withstands frost in USDA zones 8-10. Growth is fast, often 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m) per year when young. The large mature size, tall trunk, and shedding bark call for open ground well away from buildings and services.Pruning
Formative pruning of young trees removes competing leaders and low branches to build a single straight trunk. E. cypellocarpa reshoots from epicormic buds after damage. Large limb cuts seal slowly, so major pruning is limited to young wood.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter