Accession Count: 0
Common Name:
white ironbark
Family Name:
Myrtaceae
Botanical Name:
Eucalyptus leucoxylon
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Eucalyptus leucoxylon is a medium sized, evergreen, woodland tree with an upright and narrow form. The white ironbark's leaves are linear, two and a half inches long, and one eighth of an inch wide. Its trunk is smooth and white, which is starkly contrasted against its blue-gray leaves. E. leucoxylon has yellow flower buds, which bloom into protandrous flowers in the fall, eventually fading into brown capsules (1, 2). The flowers are a variety of colors, from cream, to pink, to red.
Compound:
Euc leu
Geographic Origin:
Australia
Ecozone Origin:
Australsia
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
Eucalyptus leucoxylon is native to Australia, and like many
Australian native plants it is valued around the world as a landscape
ornamental. In the mid-late 1800s many eucalyptus species were brought
to the United States for an assortment of purposes. Some species were
introduced as landscape ornamentals, and as windbreaks, while others
were tested as sources of fiber and lumber. E. leucoxylon however,
was primarily introduced for ornamental purposes, and to improve honey
production, given its attractiveness to bees (3).
Cultivation Notes:
Primarily found in southern Australia, Eucalyptus leucoxylon is well adapted for arid regions. E. leucoxylon is widely tolerant of adverse conditions, including heat, wind, drought, and heavy or rocky soils. It can tolerate full sun. The white ironbark requires very little water, and overwatering should be avoided. It should be watered approximately once a month, or once every other month, though occasional supplemental water might aid growth, especially during dry years (4). E. leucoxylon can be trained, and should be pruned to keep the tree narrow and upright, and reduce long overhanging branches, which tend to break in high winds. For those choosing a specimen, it is best to select a plant that is in bloom to find the right flower color, as there are many varieties. E. leucoxylon is susceptible to chlorosis, in order to prevent this, iron chelate can be applied in its early growth stages. This tree is hardy to 15°F.
Ethnobotany:
The oils from Eucalyptus leucoxylon leaves have been used to flavor different foods and candies in Australia. Other countries have used this tree for its tendency to attract bees and improve honey production (1, 4). The white ironbark is primarily used in residential areas, as well as narrow commercial spaces (1). In landscapes, this tree can be clustered and used as a screen due to its single or multi-trunked form.
Height:
20 - 50 feet
Width:
11 - 15 feet
Growth Rate:
Fast Growing
Grow Season:
Summer
Flower Season:
Fall
Color:
Pink
Function:
Screen
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Low water Use
