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Eucalyptus grandis

flooded gum

Myrtaceae Coastal eastern Australia

Attracts Pollinators Fragrant (moderate)

SunFull Sun

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 9–11

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

Recognized by its tall straight trunk with smooth white to blue-grey bark above a short stocking of rough brown bark at the base. Adult leaves are glossy green and lance-shaped, 4-6.5 inches (10-16 cm) long, hanging from a spreading crown. White flower clusters of seven to eleven and small pear-shaped capsules under 0.3 inch (8 mm) confirm identification.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height80' - 150'

Width/Spread30' - 50'

Reaches mature size in approximately 25 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Fall Winter

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 cream

Foliage Description

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 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

Fast-growing; over 30 feet within 5-7 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grows in full sun on deep, moist, fertile soil with reliable drainage, making fastest growth where water is consistent through the warm months. Young trees are frost-sensitive and establish reliably only on frost-free sites. Regular watering through the first few seasons aids establishment, after which deep roots draw on subsoil moisture. Little fertilizer is needed on average soils. Wide spacing suits the quickly spreading crown and root system. Falling bark, leaves, and capsules accumulate beneath the canopy through the year.

Pruning

Pruning is limited to removing dead or damaged limbs and lifting the lower crown for clearance while the tree is young. Large established eucalypts respond poorly to heavy cutting, which can trigger weak regrowth. Major limb removal is timed for the dormant period in late winter.