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Lemon Scented Gum, Spotted Gum

Lemon Scented Gum, Spotted Gum
Photo: Macbird Floraprint
Invasive Plant
Lemon Scented Gum, Spotted Gum
Corymbia citriodoraformerly known as Eucalyptus citriodora
 

This is a large ornamental gumtree to 10 m with a pinkish cream spotted trunk, lemon scented leaves and cream flowers which appear in summer–autumn. Kings Park in Perth has a famous avenue of these trees which were planted in 1938. Unfortunately, this well known gum tree has become a serious weed invading Banksia woodland and killing the forest understorey.

In southern Western Australia from Perth to Busselton, it has become naturalised in Banksia and Tuart woodlands.

Spotted gum is spread by seed. It's also considered dangerous if planted in parks and gardens as it can drop large limbs.

 

This is a large ornamental gum tree to 10 m with a pinkish cream spotted trunk, lemon scented leaves and cream flowers which appear in summer–autumn. Kings Park in Perth has a famous avenue of these trees which were planted in 1938. Unfortunately, this well known gum tree has become a serious weed invading Banksia woodland and killing the forest understorey.

In southern Western Australia from Perth to Busselton, it has become naturalised in anksia and Tuart woodlands.

Spotted gum is spread by seed. It's also considered dangerous if planted in parks and gardens as it can drop large limbs.

 
 
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Other suggested alternatives are the Silver Princess/Gungurru (Eucalyptus caesia), Bullich (Eucalyptus megacarpa) and Drummond's Gum (Eucalyptus drummondii).

 

Alternative Plants

Coral Gum
Photo: Macbird Floraprint
Alternative Plant Coral Gum
Eucalyptus torquata
Trees and Shrubs
 

Native to inland areas and south west Western Australia, this gum tree can reach up to 10 m high in ideal conditions. The unique flowers and buds are used in floral arrangements. It is a recommended street tree because of its smaller size and pendulous habit providing welcome summer shade. It is frost resistant, prefers good drainage and full-sun, and will tolerate dry conditions. Also suitable for large pots or tubs.

Fuchsia Gum
Photo: Macbird Floraprint
Alternative Plant Fuchsia Gum
Eucalyptus forrestiana
Trees and Shrubs
 

This distinctive gum tree has beautiful flowers and decorative fuchsia-like gum nuts that are harvested and used in floral arrangements. It will grow from 3–7 m high by 3–5 m wide as a large shrub or small tree depending on the local growing conditions. It is an ideal specimen for home gardens and attracts native birds. This species is also frost and drought tolerant and will grow on limestone soils.

Red Ironbark, Mugga Ironbark
Photo: Macbird Floraprint
Alternative Plant Red Ironbark, Mugga Ironbark
Eucalyptus sideroxylon 'Rosea'
Trees and Shrubs
 

This is a stunning red flowering gum tree growing to 20 m high by 15 m wide. The bark of this tree contrasts well with the foliage which is dark green to grey-blue. It will grow successfully on many sites, including alkaline soils. For best growth, a well-drained site in full-sun is required.

 
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