This tree features a rounded canopy with glossy, dark green leaves that vary in shape, adding visual interest. It can tolerate a range of soil types and is particularly drought-resistant, making it suitable for urban environments. During the late spring and early summer, it produces small, bell-shaped flowers that are cream-colored with a hint of pink. The tree’s bark is smooth and gray, providing a striking contrast to its foliage. It grows relatively fast and can reach a moderate height, offering ample shade and aesthetic appeal to city landscapes.

Native Range: Australia

Horticultural use: Street Tree or Screen

Schoolyard Use: This tree has dense, glossy leaves that provide excellent shade and can be used to teach about leaf structure and function. Its unique bell-shaped flowers can spark discussions on pollination and plant reproduction. The tree produces woody seed pods that can be incorporated into lessons on seed dispersal and plant life cycles. Its adaptability to various soil types makes it a practical example of plant resilience and environmental adaptation.

Tree Shape: Conical
Foliage Type: Evergreen
Maximum Tree Height: 50 feet
Canopy Width: 30feet
Growth Rate: ~24in/year
Leaf Arrangement and Form: Alternate and Simple
Leaf Shape: Spear-shaped
Leaf Color: Green
Fall Color: No
Flower Color: White
Flower Time: Spring or Summer
Fruit Size and Color: Large Brown Follicle
Fruiting Time: Fall or Summer
Bark Color: Light Gray
Bark Texture: Smooth
Litter Type: Dry Fruit

Recommended Planting Area: 4′ to 7′
Water Use Rating: Medium
Sunset Climate Zone: 12 – 24
Soil Texture: Loam or Sand
Soil pH: Slightly Acidic to Very Alkaline
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Schoolyard Trees: Yes
Shade Tolerance: No

Branch Strength: Medium Weak
Root Damage Potential: Moderate
Potential health issues: Irritant
Wildlife Interactions: Attracts
Disease and Pest Susceptibility: Root Rot and Invasive Shot Hole Borer
Disease and Pest Resistance: Armillaria
Utility Friendly: No
WCISA Appraisal: Suggested LCANT 24″ box, Group Rating 3, Approx. cross sectional area 3.80 sq. in.