Blue Gum Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus globulus
A towering, fast, aromatic Australian gum widely naturalized in coastal California, with peeling bark, sickle-shaped adult leaves, and prolific oily litter. Valued for windbreaks and quick height but controversial — it is a fire-hazardous, water-hungry invasive in California with a reputation for dropping large limbs without warning.
Field reference
Family
Myrtaceae
Growth rate
Fast
Mature size
100–180 ft tall, 30–60 ft spread
Hardiness zone
8–10
Soil preference
Adaptable, well-drained soils; very drought-tolerant once established
Sun
Full sun
Pruning window
Any time in mild climates; shedding bark, limbs, and high fuel load are key hazards
Wood properties
Heavy, hard, strong, interlocked eucalyptus wood that checks and warps badly as it dries; used for pulp, fuel, and rough timber. Brittle, prone to sudden limb drop — rig and work with caution.
Native range
Native to southeastern Australia; widely naturalized in coastal California
Green weight
65 lb/ft³
Common questions
Why are blue gum eucalyptus considered a fire and safety hazard?
They shed copious oily, flammable bark, leaves, and limbs, building heavy ground fuel, and the volatile oils make them burn explosively. Mature trees are also notorious for dropping large limbs suddenly, so siting and regular inspection near targets matter.
Is blue gum invasive in California?
Yes — it has naturalized aggressively along the California coast, forming dense stands that crowd out natives and raise fire risk, so it is widely managed as an invasive despite its historic windbreak plantings.
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