Eucalyptus grandis
flooded gum
Overview
Eucalyptus grandis is a tall, quick-growing evergreen tree reaching 80-150 feet (25-45 m) in cultivation and over 160 feet (50 m) in its native forests, with a straight trunk and an open, rounded crown. The smooth bark sheds in ribbons to a powdery white or blue-grey surface, retaining a skirt of rough, fibrous brown bark on the lowest 3-13 feet (1-4 m) of the trunk. Adult leaves are glossy green, lanceolate, and 4-6.5 inches (10-16 cm) long, while juvenile foliage is broader and dull blue-green. Clusters of seven to eleven white flowers open from autumn into winter, followed by small pear-shaped seed capsules 0.2-0.3 inch (5-8 mm) long. Native to moist, fertile valleys of coastal eastern Australia, it grows where soils stay damp, the trait behind the name flooded gum. Growth is rapid, often exceeding 6 feet (1.8 m) per year on good sites, which makes it a major plantation timber species. The tree is frost-sensitive when young, needs ample root space, and drops bark, leaves, and capsules through the year; its mature size keeps it well away from buildings and paving.
Native Range
Native to the coastal lowlands and adjacent ranges of eastern Australia, from northern New South Wales through Queensland. It occurs naturally in tall open forest on moist, fertile soils near streams and on lower slopes.Suggested Uses
Used as a quick-growing shade and timber tree in large gardens, parks, farm shelterbelts, and plantations. The size suits open rural and acreage settings rather than small yards, with trees spaced 30-50 feet (9-15 m) apart.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height80' - 150'
Width/Spread30' - 50'
Reaches mature size in approximately 25 years
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs from autumn into winter, roughly May to August in its native range. Clusters of seven to eleven small white flowers form among the upper branches and draw nectar-feeding birds and insects. Flowering can vary between years with rainfall and tree age.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White to creamFoliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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