Sugar Gum
Eucalyptus cladocalyx · Evergreen, Broadleaf, Hardwood
Plant Family
Myrtaceae
Tree Category
Forest Tree, Shade Tree, Timber Tree, Windbreak
Variety / Cultivar
Common (Wild Type); often found in 'Nana' (dwarf) forms in cultivation
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 9-11; sensitive to heavy frost but highly adaptable to semi-arid and mediterranean climates.
About This Tree
An upright, medium to large tree often exhibiting a 'mallee' form (multi-stemmed) in poor soils or a single straight trunk in better conditions. It features an open, spreading crown with foliage concentrated at the ends of branches. Known for its strikingly colorful, peeling bark.
Leaf Characteristics
Adult leaves are discolourous (darker green on top, paler underneath), lanceolate, 8-15cm long, and glossy. They are arranged alternately. Juvenile leaves are more rounded or ovate.
Bark Characteristics
Smooth throughout, shedding in irregular patches to reveal a mottled pattern of white, yellow, orange, and grey. Often has a 'steely' blue-grey appearance before peeling.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to South Australia (Eyre Peninsula, Kangaroo Island, and Flinders Ranges)
Growing Season
Perennial evergreen; primary growth during spring and autumn; flowers typically appear from summer to early autumn (January to April in Southern Hemisphere).
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full Sun; low to moderate water needs. Highly drought-tolerant once established and prefers well-drained soils.
Mature Size
Reaches 20 to 35 meters in height with a spread of 10 to 15 meters; growth rate is moderate to fast; can live for over 100 years.
Special Characteristics
Highly valued for heavy construction timber and firewood. High honey production value. Noted for being 'self-pruning' but can be prone to limb drop in extreme heat.
Wildlife & Ecology
Provides critical habitat and nesting hollows for native birds and arboreal marsupials. Flowers are a major source of nectar for bees and honeyeaters.