Eucalyptus racemosa
northern scribbly gum
Overview
Eucalyptus racemosa is an evergreen tree in the myrtle family reaching 30-50 feet (9-15 m) tall, occasionally to 65 feet (20 m), with a single straight trunk and an open, spreading crown. The smooth bark is shed each year to reveal a white to grey surface marked with dark zig-zag scribbles made by the larvae of a small moth. Adult leaves are lance-shaped, 2.5-6 inches (6-15 cm) long, dull green to grey-green, and hang vertically. Clusters of seven to fifteen small white flowers, each about 0.3 inch (8 mm) across, open from spring into summer. Flowers are followed by small woody cup-shaped capsules 0.2-0.3 inch (5-8 mm) wide that release small seed. Growth is moderate. The tree drops bark, leaves, and twigs through the year and can shed limbs, which limits its use close to buildings.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, mainly the coast and adjacent ranges of New South Wales and southeastern Queensland. Grows in dry sclerophyll forest and heathy woodland on poor, sandy, well-drained soils, from near sea level to about 2,300 feet (700 m).Suggested Uses
Grown as a shade and habitat tree in large gardens, parks, and rural plantings, spaced 25-40 feet (7.5-12 m) apart, where the flowers and hollows support birds and insects. The scribbled white trunk is a feature in open settings. Limb shed and litter limit its use in small gardens or near structures.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height30' - 50'
Width/Spread20' - 35'
Reaches mature size in approximately 15 years
Bloom Information
Flowers from spring into summer, mainly October to January. Flowering lasts about 4-6 weeks but varies between years, with heavier flowering in some seasons than others. The nectar-rich flowers draw insects and birds. Capsules mature several months after flowering and hold seed on the tree until released.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage 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 well-drained sandy or gravelly soil in full sun, tolerating poor, low-nutrient ground and dry conditions once established. Water young trees through the first one to two summers; established trees rely on rainfall. The species does not tolerate waterlogging or heavy, fertile soils well. Few pests are serious, though leaf-chewing insects and scribble-moth larvae mark the foliage and bark. The tree sheds bark, leaves, and occasional limbs, creating litter beneath the canopy.Pruning
Prune in late winter to remove dead, damaged, or low limbs and to lift the crown. Eucalypts compartmentalise wounds slowly, so large cuts are kept to a minimum where possible. Formative pruning when young establishes a sound branch structure. The tree reshoots from epicormic buds after damage.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter