Yellow Gum
(Eucalyptus leucoxylon)
Yellow Gum (Eucalyptus leucoxylon)
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Rexness
CC BY-SA 2.0
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Rexness
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CC BY-SA 2.0
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Photo by: Rexness | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: Rexness | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Eucalyptus leucoxylon, commonly known as Yellow Gum, Blue Gum, or White Ironbark, is a deciduous tree native to open woodlands and forest edges in southeastern Australia. It typically grows to a height of 10–30 m (33–98 ft) and forms a lignotuber, which allows it to resprout after fire. The bark is smooth and yellowish, with some rough bark near the base. Adult leaves are lance-shaped or curved, and the tree is known for its showy flower buds in groups of three, followed by cylindrical, barrel-shaped, or shortened spherical fruit. Flowering occurs mainly in winter, with flowers ranging in color from white to red or pink, depending on the subspecies.
Eucalyptus leucoxylon is valued for its ornamental flowers, which are particularly profuse in the subspecies megalocarpa, known as ‘Rosea’ with red flowers and large fruit. ’Euky Dwarf’ is a popular cultivar for urban planting due to its smaller size, reaching 5–6 m (16–20 ft) in height and 3–4 m (9.8–13.1 ft) in width, making it suitable for street and garden use. Subspecies leucoxylon is recommended for larger gardens and parklands. This species thrives in full sun to part shade and can adapt to a range of soil drainage conditions, from fast to slow. It requires medium amounts of water once established. While it is a beautiful and versatile tree, Eucalyptus leucoxylon can be potentially invasive outside its native range, so gardeners should check local guidelines before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Eucalyptus leucoxylon is valued for its ornamental flowers, which are particularly profuse in the subspecies megalocarpa, known as ‘Rosea’ with red flowers and large fruit. ’Euky Dwarf’ is a popular cultivar for urban planting due to its smaller size, reaching 5–6 m (16–20 ft) in height and 3–4 m (9.8–13.1 ft) in width, making it suitable for street and garden use. Subspecies leucoxylon is recommended for larger gardens and parklands. This species thrives in full sun to part shade and can adapt to a range of soil drainage conditions, from fast to slow. It requires medium amounts of water once established. While it is a beautiful and versatile tree, Eucalyptus leucoxylon can be potentially invasive outside its native range, so gardeners should check local guidelines before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 70-80 feet
- Width: 20-30 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: Cream, Pink, White
- Flowering Season: Winter
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers, Street Planting, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Open woodlands and forest edges in southeastern Australia
Other Names
Common Names: South Australian Blue Gum , Blue Gum , Inland Blue Gum , Water Gum , Yellow Gum , Large-Fruit Blue Gum , Large-Fruit Yellow Gum , Red-Flower Yellow Gum , Small-Fruit Yellow Gum , Eucalyptus
Scientific Names: Eucalyptus leucoxylon , Eucalyptus leucoxylon var. rosea
GBIF Accepted Name: Eucalyptus leucoxylon F.Muell.