Tristaniopsis laurina
water gum
Overview
Tristaniopsis laurina is an evergreen tree in the Myrtaceae reaching 25-50 feet (8-15 m) tall in the wild and often 15-30 feet (4.5-9 m) in cultivation, with a dense rounded canopy. The bark is smooth, shedding in patches to reveal cream, grey, and russet tones on the trunk. Leaves are leathery and lance-shaped, 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) long, glossy dark green above and paler beneath, clustered toward the branch tips, and new growth flushes bronze to coppery-red. Clusters of small yellow flowers 0.3-0.5 inch (8-12 mm) across open in summer, each with five petals and a tuft of stamens. Small woody capsules follow. Growth is slow to moderate, and trees develop a single trunk or several stems. The species grows naturally along streams and tolerates periodic flooding and wet soil. In dry, exposed sites without irrigation, growth slows and leaves may scorch.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, from Queensland south through New South Wales to Victoria. Grows along creeks, rivers, and gorges in the shade of riparian forest, on rocky and sandy stream banks subject to periodic flooding.Suggested Uses
Planted as a street, shade, and screen tree in parks, gardens, and along watercourses, spaced 15-25 feet (4.5-7.5 m) apart. Used in rain gardens and damp or periodically flooded sites where many trees fail. Smaller cultivars are grown as clipped screens and in large containers.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height25' - 50'
Width/Spread15' - 30'
Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Flowers in summer, roughly December to February, with clusters of small yellow flowers opening over 3-5 weeks. Flowering is heavier on trees in full sun than in shade. The display is followed by small woody capsules that persist on the stems.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-10 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
Grows in full sun to part shade in moist, well-drained soil and tolerates wet ground and periodic flooding. Water regularly through the first two years and during dry spells, as the species comes from streamside habitats and is sensitive to prolonged drought. Leaves scorch in hot, dry, exposed positions without irrigation. Consistent moisture and mulch support steady growth. Few serious pests occur, though leaf-eating beetles and scale insects may appear. The tree tolerates light frost once established.Pruning
Prune in late summer after flowering to shape young trees or raise the canopy. The species tolerates pruning and can be kept as a hedge or screen with regular trimming. Removing lower limbs exposes the patterned bark on the trunk.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summerfall
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 15 gallons