Eucalyptus ovata
swamp gum
Overview
Eucalyptus ovata is an evergreen tree reaching 33-66 feet (10-20 m) tall, occasionally to 100 feet (30 m), with a single trunk and a spreading, open crown 20-40 feet (6-12 m) wide. The bark is rough and fibrous on the lower trunk and smooth above, shedding in ribbons and mottled grey to white. Juvenile leaves are broadly ovate, giving the species its name, while adult leaves are glossy green, lance-shaped, and 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long, releasing an aromatic oil when crushed. Clusters of white to cream flowers open from autumn into winter, followed by small woody capsules about 0.2-0.3 inch (5-8 mm) wide. E. ovata grows in seasonally wet flats, swamp margins, and poorly drained valley floors across south-eastern Australia, and tolerates seasonally waterlogged soils. It withstands frost and seasonal drought once established. The large size, shedding bark, and habit of dropping limbs suit it to open ground away from buildings, and surface roots can lift nearby paving.
Native Range
Eucalyptus ovata is native to south-eastern Australia, occurring in Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia, and southern New South Wales. It grows on seasonally wet flats, swamp margins, and poorly drained valley floors.Suggested Uses
E. ovata is grown as a shade and habitat tree in parks, large gardens, and rural plantings, and in revegetation of wet flats and swamp margins, spaced 25-40 feet (8-12 m) apart. It is also planted for windbreaks and shelterbelts on damp sites.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height33' - 66'
Width/Spread20' - 40'
Reaches mature size in approximately 30 years
Bloom Information
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. ovata grows in full sun in a wide range of soils, including clay and seasonally waterlogged ground. Watering through the first two to three growing seasons supports establishment, after which trees handle both wet and dry spells. It withstands frost in USDA zones 8-10. Growth is fast, often 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 m) per year when young. The large mature size and shedding bark call for open ground away from structures and paving.Pruning
Formative pruning of young trees removes competing leaders and low branches to build a single clear trunk. E. ovata reshoots from epicormic buds and lignotubers after damage. Cuts on large limbs are slow to seal, so major pruning is limited to young wood.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
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D
winter