Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus various species

A year ago, I was surprised to find that eucalyptus trees had been planted by Outback Steakhouse in Douglasville, GA. The only other eucalyptus I had seen was at the Atlanta Zoo, being eaten by koala bears. Ed Coughlin of Southern Eucs planted these trees, and he has planted others in sites around Atlanta. His research and trials to see which eucalyptus trees are appropriate and cold hardy for this area is an effort to make these trees a familiar sight to those of us in the Atlanta, USA area. Our experiences with these trees may soon not be limited to visits to the Outback.

These are the species of eucalyptus I found at Outback:

–Eucalyptus nicholii ‘Angus’

–Eucalyptus camphora ‘Lucky Country’

–Eucalyptus stellulata ‘Sheila’

–Eucalyptus elliptica ‘Grace’ (last pictured, did not live)

Eucalyptus nicholii ‘Angus’ is also known as narrow-leaved black peppermint, narrow-leaved peppermint, Nichol’s willow peppermint, willow leaf peppermint, and small-leaved peppermint. This tree comes from cooler and dryer areas of New South Wales in eastern Australia, and is cold tolerant to about 12-15° F.  It grows in well-drained soil that is not wet or sandy. This is one of the larger growing eucalyptus trees in northern California, but it is not a giant. The tree grows over 50 feet high and has a canopy as wide. Growth can be 36 or more inches per year and the tree should be planted in open, large spaces that give it room to grow. The trunk grows to over 3 feet wide, and is beautifully furrowed with coarse gray or gray-brown bark that does not separate from the tree. The bark resembles peppermint bark and this is the origin of the tree’s name. The bark becomes smooth and gray on outer branches. Branches are small and pendulous, creating a dense canopy with a compact, dome-shaped crown. The tree responds well to pruning. Leaves are narrowly lanceolate, are dull and bluish green in color, and they release a peppermint-like smell when crushed. These evergreen leaves are borne on red stems. The fine, dense foliage is attractive. Flower clusters have 7 buds per umbrel, and buds produce white flowers. Flowers have both male and female parts and are produced from summer to early autumn. Fruit capsules (gumnuts) resemble a small bell. In the right location and with proper care this tree tolerates frosts, drought and poor soils, but in less ideal conditions it may experience dieback, bark crotches, and root decay making it prone to wind throw in storms. These trees are generally expected to live less than 30 years. The tree shown, after one year, is about 8 feet tall. After a winter having two snow storms, the tree is experiencing dieback but is expected to recover.

Eucalyptus camphora ‘Lucky Country’ is also known as broad-leaved sallee and mountain swamp gum. The tree gets its name from its country of origin, Australia. It is found in swampy river flats and in valleys of mountainous areas of New South Wales and southern Victoria. It thrives in wet conditions and can tolerate prolonged periods of waterlogging, but once established it can tolerate dry conditions. The tree’s bark is dark grey and rough on the lower trunk, and grey-brown and smooth on the upper trunk. Upper bark sheds in long ribbons. The tree grows moderate to fast, to a height of 30- 50 feet. It has a spread almost as wide, and has a rounded canopy. The young leaves are dull green and fragrant, and are rounded resembling Gingko leaves. They are almost heart-shaped, and are pendulous hanging on slender red petioles. In cooler temperatures these evergreen leaves appear burgundy and red. Leaves appear opposite for a few pairs, and then they appear alternate. Adult leaves grow up to 6 inches long and 3 1/2 inches wide, morphing in shape from heart-shaped to elliptic or broadly lanceolate. They are slightly glossy, green or blue-green, and have numerous minute, island oil glands. Flowers are borne on stems in clusters of 5 or 6, and are white. Flowering is in February to March. Seeds are dark brown. This is one of a few eucalyptus trees that can tolerate semi-shade. The tree has little timber value. It is attractive for parks and gardens. The tree shown was planted a year ago, and is about 9 feet tall.

Eucalyptus stellulata ‘Sheila’ is also known as Black Sallee or Black Sally. This small to medium-sized evergreen tree is found at high altitudes in New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria. It is common in grassy woodlands and is often found near swamps and by streams. The tree’s name stellulata (star-shaped) refers to the appearance of the clustered flower buds. The tree’s bark is dark and rough at the base. About half way up the tree, the bark sheds revealing yellowish olive green and smooth branches that are somewhat oily to the touch. Young leaves are opposite on the stem, round, and without stalks. Mature leaves are egg-shaped to lanceolate. Leaf veins are almost parallel and glossy. Flower buds form between April and October. The fruit are without stalks and cup-shaped, with 3 enclosed valves. This tree has outstanding foliage, flower, and bark. This is one of the few eucalyptus trees that will do well in semi-shade. The tree shown was planted about a year ago, and is now about 18 feet tall.

Eucalyptus elliptica ‘Grace’ is also known as Bendemeer white gum. Though the (last) tree pictured did not live through the first year, it is shown as an example of what other eucalyptus species are being tried in this environment.  Native to New South Wales and Queensland in southeastern Australia, this evergreen is found on granite hills and grassy woodlands. The tree prefers full sun and well-drained, sandy, gravely soil. It is tolerant to -8 °C when young.  This is a beautiful ornamental tree, with smooth, pale rose pink bark that becomes striking chalk white and very powdery with time. The powder is white plant wax. The bark sheds in short ribbons and flakes to reveal colorful yellow, grey, and orange patches. Young ovate to elliptical leaves are delicate pink, turning blue-green. They emerge from stems that become burgundy and purple in fall and winter. Leaves are fruit-scented. Adult leaves are matt or glossy blue-green and lanceolate to spear-shaped. Flowers are white and appear in clusters of 7. The tree’s name elliptica refers to the elliptical shape of the fruit. The name ‘Grace’ refers to the elegant, soft, flowing habit of the tree. The tree grows as much as 10 feet in a year, and may grow to 50 feet or more.  Spread may be 20-30 feet or more. The tree can be grown with one trunk or with multiple trunks.

Eucalyptus trees are native to Australia and surrounding islands, and make up an estimated 79% of the native forests there. In adapting to various microclimates, over 700 species have evolved. While some eucalyptus species are shrub, some have been documented to grow larger than the redwood. With wood properties comparable to the American sweetgum, trees are used for construction, furniture making, paper, and firewood. Trees are grown in wet areas to take away breeding areas for mosquitoes. Trees are used as windbreaks, and as ornamentals in cities and gardens. Eucalyptus oil extracted from the leaves is aromatic and used as a medical ingredient. Leaves are popular to use in floral decorations. The tree is an important source of food for many species including the koala bear, wombat, wallabie and cockatoo. The eucalyptus has proven to be an interesting and useful tree “down under”.

Closer to home, we are drawn to eucalyptus trees because they are beautiful, because they are exotic, and because they are rare and different. Whatever the appeal, we must be responsible integrating exotics into our native environment. During the California gold rush, Californians faced a growing shortage of trees for timber, railroad ties, and firewood. The landscape was barren. Hearing how Australian eucalyptus trees grew large and fast in a similar climate, Californians welcomed the trees beginning in the 1850’s. The trees proved disappointing for many uses such as for railroad ties, but they made effective windbreaks for farms and they were enjoyed as landscaping along streets. Today, they have become a familiar part of the California landscape, providing growth in areas where there was once only brush and scrub oaks.  These trees are not considered invasive, and despite the advantages these trees have provided, there is now a movement to get rid of these non-native trees.  As a now-normal part of California’s environment that is no longer new and exotic, this tree is being more critically examined.

Among the issues against eucalyptus trees is “sudden limb drop syndrome”, where the tree drops limbs in dry, calm weather to conserve water. It is unsafe to hike, camp, work, or have activities like weddings under the trees. Trees also are blown over in rain storms, shearing at the base such that roots are not pulled up, and new trees easily sprout. The abundant litter of leaves, shedding bark, and limbs on the forest floor provide kindling for forest fires. In an area of many wildfires, the shaggy bark and volatile oils and gums the tree produces makes the tree burn like a torch, aggressively spreading the fire- especially in dry seasons. Leaves have toxins that native animals have not evolved to handle, displacing natural food sources. The tree has few native pests. Though the tree grows fast- often as much as 4 feet in a year- only old growth trees are suitable for timber. Trees generally use more water than the average tree and the dryness, shade, and thick forest floor inhibits growth of most native plants. This makes what some call “green deserts”. All these things should be considered when deciding how familiar we want to be with this tree.

The tree’s rapid growth has spurred expansion of industrial tree plantations across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Brazil has proposed reforesting the Amazon rain forest with eucalyptus plantations. Ever seeking a greater return, Biotech company FuturaGene has genetically modified the eucalyptus to grow 40% faster by incorporating a gene of the fast-growing Arabidopsis weed, and the company is seeking approval for its use in areas around the world. In Scientific American magazine, dated January 29, 2010, an article discusses how approval is being sought by International Paper and MeadWestvaco to transform pine forests of the southeastern United States from native pine to genetically engineered eucalyptus. This modification addresses the tree’s natural inability to handle the region’s wide cold weather fluctuations. People should consider how these uses of the eucalyptus may affect our lives in the future.

This eucalyptus arrangement was found in the Outback bathroom. It would be worth the trip to stop by Outback Steakhouse in Douglasville, GA to see the eucalyptus trees there. I think these trees are interesting and beautiful, enriching the environment where they are wisely used.

The add below features Australian eucalyptus globulus essential oil, and it is available for purchase here through my participation in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Any purchase through this link helps maintain this website and is appreciated.

Author: David

I grew up near Clayton, AL and have lived over 30 years near Atlanta, GA. My interests include family, church, guitar, gardening, working with kids... and math! Life can be very interesting. My websites: chasingtrees.net mathshortcutblog.wordpress.com View all posts by David