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Eucalyptus tereticornis

forest red gum

Myrtaceae Eastern Australia

Attracts Pollinators Drought Tolerant Fragrant (moderate)

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Eucalyptus tereticornis, forest red gum, is a large evergreen tree growing 20-50 m (66-165 ft) tall with a straight trunk and an open, spreading crown. The bark is mostly smooth and sheds in patches to leave a mottled white, grey, and blue-grey surface, often with a short rough collar at the base. Adult leaves are lance-shaped, 10-20 cm (4-8 in) long, dull green to grey-green, and hang down from the branches. The flower buds have a long horn-shaped cap, the source of the name tereticornis, and open to white flowers in clusters of seven to eleven from autumn through winter into spring. Hemispherical woody capsules with protruding valves follow. It grows on valley floors, floodplains, and in open woodland across eastern Australia, tolerating heavy clay, seasonal flooding, drought, and frost. The tree is fast-growing and long-lived but drops bark, leaves, and branches, and its roots can lift paving and invade drains.

Native Range

Native to eastern Australia, from Victoria through New South Wales and Queensland, with related populations in New Guinea. It grows on valley floors, floodplains, and in open woodland, often on heavier soils near watercourses.

Suggested Uses

Grown as a shade, habitat, and timber tree in parks, large rural gardens, and revegetation. Used along watercourses and on floodplains for erosion control and as a koala food tree. Suited to large open spaces well away from buildings, paving, and drains.

How to Identify

Identified by mottled smooth bark in white, grey, and blue-grey, hanging lance-shaped adult leaves 10-20 cm (4-8 in) long, and flower buds with a long horn-shaped cap. The white flowers form in clusters of seven to eleven. The long-beaked buds and hemispherical capsules with protruding valves separate it from similar gums.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height65'7" - 164'1"

Width/Spread49'2" - 98'5"

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~12 weeks

Fall Winter Spring

White flowers open in clusters of seven to eleven, mainly from autumn through winter and into spring, with timing varying by region. The nectar-rich flowers draw bees, birds, and other insects. Woody capsules follow and persist on the branches.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

dull green to grey-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 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

clay loam sand

Drainageaverage

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

10-20 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grows in full sun on a wide range of soils, including heavy clay and ground that floods in winter. Established trees tolerate drought, waterlogging, and frost, and need no extra water once their roots are deep. Growth is fast in deep, moist soil and slower on shallow or compacted ground. The tree drops bark, leaves, and the occasional limb, so it needs open space away from buildings. Vigorous roots can lift paving and enter drains, which limits its use in small gardens. The aromatic foliage contains oils that can affect pets if eaten.

Pruning

Formative pruning of young trees removes competing leaders and low branches to build a strong framework. Large established trees are left unpruned apart from removing dead or hazardous limbs. Pruning of big limbs is a task for a qualified arborist.