Tree identification manual - North East Downs Landcare Group

Broad-leaved red ironbark
Botanical name
Eucalyptus fibrosa
Areas
3, 5 & 6.
Usual flowering time
December - January
Distribution
Found in forest country on stony ridges, more commonly in the western and southern parts of the Darling
Downs district, sometimes as pure stands, or associated with other trees.
Description
Height: Up to 30 metres.
Bark: Hard, black, furrowed, but flaky, and brownish in the furrows on the younger parts.
Leaves: Scattered along the twigs, they are dull, dirty green to silver green, thick in texture, stiff, straight
or curved. Those on the sucker shoots are larger, nearly as wide and often greener.
Inflorescence: The flowers are stalked and borne in bunches at and near the ends of the twigs.
Distinctive features
An ironbark with fairly broad, green leaves, nearly round green sucker leaves, buds with a long lid and
seed-capsules with protruding valves.
Vegetation community
Commonly found on lighter ridge country in association with remnant scrub areas, spotted gum or as pure
stands.
Associated soils
Soils vary from weathered shaley soils to sandy open soils, commonly found on hilly sites where fertility is
low.
Local example
Specimens can be found in forest country about 8 km west of Goombungee on the Kulpi Road.
NOTES: Broad leaf red ironbark has some use as a mill timber but is not highly sought after. It has limited
use as a farm timber. It is a moderate source of nectar.
19