15 Eucalyptus Trees That Will Add Drama To Your Yard

Australian natives found many uses for eucalyptus (eucalyptus sp.), known alternately as the gum tree. They understood eucalyptus as an all-purpose plant with healing properties and that its aromatic oil not only had healing properties as a mentholated topical but could also be made into a medicinal tea. The historians at Woodland Trust report that eventually, eucalyptus trees were used in everything from early warfare as spears and shields to bowls, canoes, and even musical instruments.

In their homeland, eucalyptus trees are closely identified with koalas, the small marsupials who spend most of their lives feasting on their bark and blue-green leaves far from the reach of predators. The U.S. experiences colder weather than most varieties of eucalyptus can endure, so the trees do best in Southern yards from Florida to Texas. They were also introduced around the time of the Gold Rush to Southern California. Some heartier varieties tolerate cold climates, though, and those can be found as far north as Washington state and the Carolinas.

Eucalyptus trees can quickly create a bold visual compliment since they grow as much as 10 feet a year. However, they are also considered highly flammable — so much so that legends tell of them bursting into flame on their own. While there are species (more than 700 of them) and subspecies galore when it comes to eucalyptus, botanists have simplified matters by identifying two main categories, according to PlantSnap: trees and mallees. Mallees are the bushy shorter variety, easily identified because they have more than one stem visible above ground.

The southern blue gum tree (eucalyptus globulus) is among the world's tallest. It's also the most commonly found in California because of its rapid growth, lush canopy, elegant appearance, and ability to withstand drought. 

Cultivated, these trees top out around 150 feet, so they're not for every yard. They're best grown in zones 9 to 11 and like more acidic soils (like clay) and even nutrient-deficient soils. They appreciate full sun, can last through partial shade, but won't thrive in full shade. They tolerate wet conditions and can retain water exceptionally under drought-like conditions.

The snow gum (eucalyptus pauciflora) eucalyptus tree is one of those trees from a fairy tale. Their gnarled twists, smaller size, and adaptability to colder climates make them a conversation starter.

These are of the mallee variety and generally grow no more than 50 feet tall. They grow with the least help in zones 6 to 9 and prefer soil that's on the moist side, but they can hold out through shorter droughts. Snow gums prefer soils that are more nutrient-rich, although they can survive in a variety of spots. These trees like partly sunny to full sun spots.

The spinning gum (eucalyptus perriniana) demonstrates how truly adaptable eucalyptus trees are. This one will work in your yard if you see months of snow on the ground every year. There's a relative that's been domesticated to live in warmer spots — although it will still withstand a winter chill.

This is a mallee eucalyptus and will reach estimated heights of 30 feet. It grows comfortably in zones 8 to 10, favors acidic soils that are dry to barely moist, and responds best to full sun exposure.

This rainbow gum tree (eucalyptus deglupta) isn't painted; that's its natural state. Also distinguished as the only one of 700 eucalyptus species not indigenous to Australia. It declines to thrive away from wet, warm spots like Hawaii and Florida, and it's also one of the tallest trees of the species.

Rainbow gum trees can grow to nearly 200 feet tall and require the tropical climates of zones 10 and 11. As a rainforest tree, it requires more water but fewer nutrients in its soil. It loves full sun.

The cadaga eucalyptus tree (eucalyptus torelliana) conforms to many of the expectations people have of eucalyptus. It grows quickly to heights around 40 feet (perfect for that backyard atmosphere) and blooms in dazzling white flowers. You'll see these trees keeping homeowners cool throughout Southern Florida. Fair warning: in some of the places it likes to grow, it's considered invasive.

This tree likes it hot and humid and grows best in zones 10 and 11. Although it can do well under slightly alkaline conditions, it prefers moderately acidic soils and partial shade to full sun.

The dwarf blue gum eucalyptus (globulus 'compacta') reaches maturity quickly and tops out at 30 feet tall, although it can be pruned to a third of that and thrive. They reward you in winter with off-white flowers but also leave behind dozens of blue-hued seed pods every summer.

This tree grows best from zones 9 to 11 and is frost-tolerant. It can also be kept low enough to the ground and trimmed into a hedge. Once established, it has modest needs for water. It will do well enough in partial shade but craves full sun.

The lemon scented gum (eucalyptus citriodora) can grow well past 50 feet and is known for its two kinds of leaves — the more grainy juvenile leaves that resemble sandpaper and the verdant glossy leaves of its maturity. The real fun fact is that both varieties produce citronella, which is not only a natural mosquito repellent but an ingredient used in perfumes.

This tree prefers the warmth of zones 9 and 10. It can adapt to mildly acidic soils but prefers a very alkaline well-draining environment, has modest water needs after becoming established, and likes partial or full sun.