Michael Charters, www.calflora.net
Family
Myrtaceae
Botanical Name
Eucalyptus pulverulenta
Plant Common Name
Silverleaf Mountain Gum
General Description
Grown for its fine silvery green foliage and exceptional drought tolerance, silverleaf mountain gum is a tall, weak-stemmed shrub or small tree with a coarse, interesting habit. Its rounded, juvenile foliage is especially pretty and valued for fresh and dried arrangements. This Australian native was brought to California as an ornamental shrub and has since become naturalized across the San Francisco Bay area where it pops up in coastal plant communities and disturbed urban areas.
Silverleaf mountain gum is easily distinguished by its palm-like green stems lined with leaf scars. Older stems develop smooth, peeling bark. Leaf shape differs depending on stem age. The silvery, scallop-shaped juvenile leaves of new growth lack leaf stems (petioles), so they're fixed directly to the stem. The leaves of old, mature stems are greener, have leaf stems and are oblong or lance-shaped. The resinous, fragrant leaves can be processed to yield Eucalyptus oil. Cup-shaped, ivory flowers with lots of fluffy stamens are produced from fall to spring. These are relatively large, compared to those of other eucalypts, and borne in small, branched clusters. Pollen-feeding bees are the key pollinators, and the small, greenish silver fruits that follow are firm and may be cup or bell-shaped.
Australian natives tend to be tough plants ideal for rugged, arid landscapes. Silverleaf mountain gum thrives in full sun and a variety of well-drained soil types. It is grown as a landscape plant and its leafy stems that are popular florist's greenery. Landscape specimens should be hard-pruned to keep them small, tidy and encourage the more attractive juvenile new growth. If left untended, it will become an uncomely sprawling small tree.
Because if its tendency to spread into the California landscape, Californians (and those living in other southwestern states) should think twice before planting silverleaf mountain gum in their landscapes and gardens.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
11 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
8 - 11
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Tree
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
18'-30' / 5.5m - 9.1m
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Width
8'-15' / 2.4m - 4.6m
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Fall, Late Fall, Early Winter, Winter, Late Winter
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Native To
Australia
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Pollution
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Ivory
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Fruit Color
Gray Green, Tan
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Blue Green, Gray Green, Yellow Green, Silver
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Blue Green, Gray Green, Yellow Green, Silver
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Blue Green, Gray Green, Yellow Green, Silver
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Blue Green, Gray Green, Yellow Green, Silver
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Bark Color
Yellow Green, Gray Green
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
Yes
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Fragrant Foliage
Yes
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
Yes
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
Yes
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Exfoliating
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Usage
Cutflower, Dried Flower/Everlasting, Feature Plant, Mixed Border, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
Sometimes
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Self-Sowing
Yes
