Eucalyptus gunnii

Sunset

Zones 4-6, 8-31

Full

Minimal

Cider Gum
Myrtaceae
Evergreen, Shrubs, Trees

EUCALYPTUS

With few exceptions, these plants are native to Australia. More than 600 different species grow there, ranging from sprawling shrubs (many of them bearing the common name “mallee”) to skyline trees. About 150 species have been grown in areas of California and Arizona that have climates similar to the plants’ native Australian habitats; many more have been grown as solitary representatives in arboretums. Eucalypts are the most widely planted non-native trees in these two Western states—for several hundred miles in parts of California.

Eucalyptus gunnii

Grows 30 to 75 ft. high and 18 to 45 ft. wide. Silvery blue-green young foliage. Dark green, 3- to 5-in.-long mature leaves. Green-and-tan bark. Small creamy white flowers. Clusters of tiny seed capsules. One of the fastest-growing, hardiest eucalypts. Dense form good for shade, windbreak, or screen. Can handle temperatures in the 5° to 10°F/-15° to -12°C range—and may take temperatures a few degrees colder than indicated, if not for an extended period.