Forest Red Gum

(Eucalyptus tereticornis)

Forest Red Gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Eucalyptus tereticornis, commonly known as Forest Red Gum or Blue Gum, is a fast-growing, evergreen tree native to open forests and woodlands, as well as floodplains and grassy woodland of eastern Australia and southern New Guinea. It can reach heights of 66-164 feet (20-50 meters) with a width of 20-40 feet (6-12 meters). The tree has a straight trunk with smooth, powdery white to light grey bark that sheds in long ribbons. Its leaves are lance-shaped, glossy green, and aromatic, with white flowers that bloom in clusters from late spring to summer, attracting a variety of pollinators.

Forest Red Gum is valued for its rapid growth, adaptability to a range of soil types, and its eucalyptus oil, which has medicinal properties. It is used for timber, shelterbelts, and as an ornamental tree in large spaces. In cultivation, it requires full sun, tolerates drought once established, and thrives in well-drained soils. It is not frost-tolerant and can suffer from eucalyptus gall wasp and psyllid infestations. Due to its potential invasiveness, it should be planted with caution outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 20-50 feet
  • Width: 15-25 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate, Rapid
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium, High
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control

Natural Habitat

Native to open forests, woodlands, floodplains, and grassy woodland of eastern Australia and southern New Guinea

Other Names

Common Names: Queensland Blue Gum, Blue Gum, Bastard-Box, Flooded Gum

Scientific Names: , Eucalyptus tereticornis, Eucalyptus angulosa, Eucalyptus angulosa, Eucalyptus semisupera, Eucalyptus semisupera, Eucalyptus triplinervis, Eucalyptus triplinervis, Eucalyptus umbellatus,

GBIF Accepted Name: