Eucalyptus leucoxylon
yellow gum
Overview
Eucalyptus leucoxylon is an evergreen tree growing 30-100 feet (10-30 m) tall, with form ranging from a single-trunked tree to a shorter, branching habit in open sites. The lower trunk holds rough, dark, persistent bark, while the upper trunk and branches shed in flakes to reveal a smooth cream, yellow, and blue-grey surface. Adult leaves are lance-shaped, 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) long, grey-green and held pendulously. Flowers are borne in groups of three, with white, cream, pink, or red stamens depending on the form, 0.8-1.2 inches (20-30 mm) across, appearing mainly from autumn to spring. Woody barrel- to urn-shaped capsules 0.4-0.6 inch (10-15 mm) long follow. The flowers carry abundant nectar and draw honeyeaters and other birds. Growth is rapid when young. Mature trees can shed bark and small branches, creating ground litter, and the spreading roots and size limit their use in small gardens.
Native Range
Native to southeastern Australia, in South Australia, western Victoria, and southern New South Wales. Grows in open woodland and grassy forest on a range of well-drained soils, from sandy loams to clay and rocky ground, in temperate climates.Suggested Uses
Planted as a shade, street, and parkland tree and as a windbreak in rural and large garden settings, spaced 25-40 feet (7.5-12 m) apart. Used in revegetation and as a nectar source for honey production and bird habitat. The size, root spread, and litter make it unsuited to small or paved gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height30' - 100'
Width/Spread20' - 50'
Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years
Bloom Information
Flowers mainly from autumn to spring, roughly May to October, with timing and intensity varying between regions and forms. Individual trees flower for several weeks, and red-flowered forms tend to bloom in winter. Nectar flow during flowering supports birds through the cooler months.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white, pink, or redFoliage Description
grey-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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun in well-drained soils and tolerates drought, moderate frost to about 20F (-7C), and a range of soil types including clay. Young trees grow quickly and benefit from water through the first two summers to establish. Established trees are drought-tolerant and need little care. The species is prone to dropping bark and small limbs, which creates ground litter. Lerp insects and leaf-chewing beetles may affect foliage but rarely cause lasting harm. The large mature size means planting at a distance from buildings reduces future root and limb conflicts.Pruning
Formative pruning when young can establish a single clear trunk and remove low or competing branches. Mature eucalypts respond poorly to heavy pruning, which can promote weak regrowth. Dead or hazardous limbs are removed as they appear.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter