Eucalyptus nicholii aka Narrow Leaved Peppermint

Eucalyptus nicholii is an evergreen tree. It belongs to the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. Its names include narrow-leaved peppermint and Nichol's willow-leafed peppermint. It comes from northeastern New South Wales, Australia. Kew places its home range in a subtropical zone. Oregon State notes that this range is small. It also says the tree is scarce there. The tree is not native to Britain, Ireland or Oregon.

This tree grows fast, with a broad, round, open crown. Its branches droop and give it a soft outline. In gardens, it reaches about 40–50 feet (12–15 m). The RHS also lists trees reaching 59 feet (18 m). Its spread can reach 13–26 feet (4–8 m). The RHS says it takes 10–20 years to mature. Its rough bark has fibres and deep cracks. The bark ranges from yellow-brown to brown. Red stems bear slim leaves. Crush them to release their peppermint scent.

Young leaves are narrow and grey-green. They hang down from the shoots. They can reach about 2.8 inches long. They grow close together, with little or no leaf stalk. Adult leaves grow in turn along the stem. They are narrow and lanceolate, or shaped like a lance. They reach about five inches long. Their colour ranges from blue-green to grey-green. Their side veins are faint. White flowers open in autumn. They form umbels, or clusters, of about seven blooms. These grow where leaves join the stems. Round or bell-shaped woody fruits follow the flowers.

Choose full sun and shelter from cold, drying winds. Oregon State also notes growth in part shade. The RHS favours moist soil that drains well. It says the soil should not dry out. It suggests neutral to slightly acid soil, including sand and loam. Oregon State says the tree can cope with drought. It warns that too much water can cause chlorosis. Together, these accounts suggest a balance in soil moisture. Do not let the soil become waterlogged. The RHS rates it H5. Oregon State lists USDA Zone 8. Grow it from seed in spring and summer, at 55–64°F.

Its form suits use as a focal tree in informal gardens. The RHS also suggests Mediterranean-style planting. Oregon State notes its use along streets and in California gardens. Prune to favour young leaves. Pests may include eucalyptus gall wasp and eucalyptus sucker. Disease risks include silver leaf, honey fungus and oedema. The supplied sources give no evidence specific to this species for food use or toxicity.