Tree identification manual - North East Downs Landcare Group

Grey gum
Botanical name
Eucalyptus propinqua
Areas
3, 4 & 7
Distribution
This species is usually found on lowlands and low hills and ridges of undulating to hilly country, preferring
slopes to valley floors.
Description
Height: Up to 30 metres. With a straight trunk and a moderately small open crown.
Bark: Smooth matt textured bark shed from the trunk and larger branches in large irregular patches
exposing fresh orange bark which weathers to dull grey finally with a granular or matt finish.
Leaves: Long leathery leaves which taper to a pointed end. Mid rib is distinct and leaf is dark olive green.
Inflorescence: Smallish flowers in large dense bunches. Bud cap is short and pointed.
Fruit: Medium sized gum nuts with exposed valves. Stalks are flattened significantly.
Distinctive features
Highly characteristic as bark is shed in irregular patches exposing distinctive orange or salmon- pink coloured
bark.
Vegetation community
Commonly found on upland sites in association with spotted gum, grey box, tallowwood or Sydney blue
gum.
Associated soils
It is found mainly on clays and clay loams derived from shale, but is also common on sandy or gravelly
loams derived from acid igneous rocks.
Local example
Grey gum is found around Crows Nest along the roadside along the New England Hwy 3km south of town.
NOTES: This tree is quite ornamental while new bark is fresh. It is of limited value as a farm timber and is of
some value as a source of pollen.
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