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Eucalyptus cinerea

Accession Count: 0

Common Name: argyle apple, silver dollar eucalyptus

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Family Name: Myrtaceae

Botanical Name: Eucalyptus cinerea

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Cultivar:

Characteristics: Argyle apple is a rapid growing evergreen tree or shrub capable of reaching heights of 25-60ft tall (1,2). The bark on young stems is a reddish-brown color but becomes light gray and shredded in texture, being easily peeled off the trunk as the plant matures (1,2,3). This plant has a distinct change in leaf morphology following transition from the juvenile to mature growth phase (1) The juvenile leaves are orbicular in shape resembling a large coin and have a silvery bluish-green color (1,2,3). The juvenile leaves are oppositely arranged and are sessile (1). The leaves developing from mature growth are alternate, simple, lanceolate, and darker in color (1). The leaves are sclerophyllous, having a tough leathery texture due to the presence of lignin in the lamina (8). The leaves and stems are full of volatile oils making them highly aromatic, emitting the classic “eucalyptus smell” when bruised or crushed (1,2). The flowers are small, white, and lack petals (1). The flowers are born in clusters of three on an umbel inflorescence that emerges from the leaf axil, having the same silvery-blue coloration as the foliage (1,3). The developing flowers are sheathed in a cap-like structure called an operculum, which is shed once the flower blooms (2,3,8). The fruit of Eucalyptus cinerea is a dry capsule that can be brown or ashen in color.

Compound: Euc cin

Geographic Origin: Australia

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Natural History: The Argyle apple is endemic to Australia where it can be commonly found alongside dry rock slopes ranging from Canberra to Sydney (3). Since 1867, Eucalyptus cinerea has been called Argyle apple in reference to Argyle County of New South Wales (3). A portion of the common name, ‘apple’, is a reference to Eucalyptus cinerea and multiple other species of Australian trees whose bark resemble that of an apple tree, so care should be taken to ensure proper nomenclature is used to correctly distinguish species (3). The genus name "Eucalyptus" comes from the Greek words “eu” meaning “well”, and “kalypto” meaning “to cover” referring to the calyx-lobes forming a cap-like structure that is shed once the flower blooms (2). The specific epithet “cinerea” means “ash-colored” regarding the unique silvery bluish-green color of the foliage (1,2,3). In Australia and New Zealand, members of the Eucalyptus genus are referred to as “gum” trees (1,8)

Cultivation Notes: Eucalyptus cinerea thrives in full sun and can be drought tolerant once established (1,2). This plant prefers a moderate watering regimen, and well-draining soils (1). The Argyle apple is also moderately tolerant of saline soils (1). The tree is not reliably cold-hardy, but often bounces back following cold damage (1,2). This plant is recommended for USDA zones 8-11 (1,2). Silver dollar eucalyptus is incredibly fast growing, gaining 6-8ft in height every growth season (1,2).This plant is commonly kept in containers as a bushy shrub or a maintained standard (2). Argyle apple rarely flowers as a container plant due to not having enough size or resources to support flowering (2). In the wintertime, container plants of Eucalyptus cinerea can be stooled before the winter season and moved to cool, dark environment. Eucalyptus cinerea bushy plants are stooled by cutting level to the ground whereas standards are cut back to the trunk (2).

Ethnobotany: Eucalyptus cinerea is globally valued for the highly fragrant essential oils derived from the plant’s foliage. The essential oil of eucalyptus has been reported to be used in Australian aboriginal medicine (4). Today, eucalyptus can be found in mouthwash or cough drops at commercial stores. Large amounts of Eucalyptus oil can be extremely toxic but when diluted in small amounts, the Argyle apple is safe for adults to consume (1,4). Eucalyptus cinerea essential oil has also been found as an effective insecticide against Musca domestica, offering a natural pesticide towards houseflies (5). Aside from medicinal purposes, the foliage of the Argyle apple tree is commonly used in floral arrangements (1,2,3). This plant is toxic if ingested and is recommended to be kept out of the reach of children and pets (1). Minor skin irritation can occur when handling broken leaves/branches, gloves should be worn when pruning (1). Eucalyptus cinerea plays an important role in its native environment as its strappy bark is favored by birds and rodents for nest-building (3).

Height: 20 - 50 feet

Width: 20 - 50 feet

Growth Rate: Fast Growing

Grow Season: Spring

Flower Season: Summer

Color: Green

Function: Habitat

Spread: Non-spreading

Allergen: Allergenic

Invasive: Benign

Toxicity: Toxic

Hardy: Semi-hardy