Eucalyptus saligna is a tall tree, 30-50 m in height, with a diameter at breast height of up to 2 m. Exceptional specimens grow 65 m tall and attain a diameter of 2.5 m. The trunk is generally of excellent form, straight and clear of branches for 1/2 to 2/3 of the total tree height. The bark is rough and persistent, brownish or greyish. A somewhat flaky bark is retained at the base for 1-4 m, decorticating in long strips to leave a smooth, bluish-grey to white surface.
Climate parameters: Mean annual rainfall: 700-2300 mm. Rainfall distribution pattern: summer or uniform. Mean annual temperature: 10-22 °C. Mean max. temperature of the hottest month: 23-34 °C. Mean min. temperature of the coldest month: -1-17 °C
Frosts (approx. no. per year): frost free or more or less frost free, up to 20 or greater than 20. Frost intensity: light to moderate (0 to -5°C) or severe or heavy (greater than -5°C).
Tolerance of extremes in climate
Drought: known to be drought sensitive or known to be moderately drought tolerant. Fire: regenerates foliage after damaging fire
Frost: tolerates frosts in the 0° to -5°C range or tolerates heavy frosts colder than -5°C. Wind: tolerates salt-laden coastal winds
Soil factors: Texture: clay loam, heavy clay (greater than 50% clay), light to medium clay (35-50% clay), loam, sandy loam, sandy clay loam or sand
Soil pH reaction: acidic (less than 6.5) or neutral (6.5-7.5). Soil depth: moderate to deep (30-100 cm or greater)
Drainage: 1. well-drained. Salinity: slightly to moderately saline or non-saline
Tolerance of adverse soils
Extremes in pH: acidity. Extremes in texture: clayey. Salinity: nil - sensitive to saline soils or slight (2-4 dS m-1). Soil waterlogging tolerance: nil - sensitive to waterlogged soils
Genus - Eucalyptus
Species - Saligna
Common name - Sydney Blue Gum
Pre-Treatment - Required
Hardiness zones - 8 - 11
Height - 50m
Spread - 2-3 m
Plant type - Large Tree
Vegetation type - Ornamental evergreen
Growth rate - Fast
Soil PH - Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil type - Light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay)
Water requirements - Average, drought tolerant
Germination rate - 75%
Leaf / Flower color - Green / Pink-cream