Jarrah
Eucalyptus marginata · Evergreen, Broadleaf, Hardwood
Plant Family
Myrtaceae
Tree Category
Forest Tree, Honey Tree, Timber Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Native species (non-cultivar typical in wild environments)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 9-11; sensitive to heavy frost when young but handles Mediterranean-style heat well.
About This Tree
A slow-growing, long-lived eucalyptus that can reach massive heights in forests but remains a sprawling mallee in poor soils. It features a dense, rounded crown in maturity, characterized by its distinctive cream-colored flowers and woody gumnuts.
Leaf Characteristics
Adult leaves are lanceolate (spear-shaped), 8-13 cm long, and occur in an alternate arrangement. They are dark green on the top surface and slightly paler underneath, with a distinct mid-vein and fine oil glands visible.
Bark Characteristics
Persistent, fibrous, and stringy bark throughout the trunk and branches. It is greyish-brown on the surface with reddish-brown undertones underneath. It does not peel in large sheets like other eucalypts but remains deeply fissured.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Southwest Western Australia
Growing Season
Year-round growth; peak flowering occurs from October to January (late spring to early summer). Seeds typically mature in late summer.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun preferred. It is highly drought-tolerant once established, requiring low to moderate water. It thrives in well-drained, sandy, or lateritic soils.
Mature Size
Height: 30-40 meters (forest sites), though can reach 50m. Spread: 10-15 meters. Growth Rate: Slow. Lifespan: Over 500 years.
Special Characteristics
Highly prized for its termite-resistant and rot-resistant hardwood. It produces a rich dark honey. It is susceptible to 'Dieback' (Phytophthora cinnamomi), a significant soil-borne pathogen.
Wildlife & Ecology
Critical ecological species: provides nectar for honeyeaters and bees. Hollows in older trees provide essential nesting sites for black cockatoos and possums. Leaves are a food source for numerous specialized insects.