Eucalyptus sideroxylon aka Red Ironbark

Eucalyptus sideroxylon is an evergreen tree in the myrtle family. Its common names include red ironbark and pink ironbark. It comes from eastern Australia, from southeast Queensland to northern Victoria. Its range also includes New South Wales. It grows in woodland on low hills with poor, shallow soils. These sites include sand, gravel, ironstone and clay.

The tree grows fast and reaches about 98 feet [30 metres]. One source gives an upper height of 115 feet [35 metres]. Its trunk is straight, and its frame is often slender. Some branches droop, giving the crown a softer outline. The hard bark has deep grooves and stays on the trunk. Its colour ranges from dark red to near black. Young twigs are smooth and red, with a pale coating.

The leaves stay on the tree throughout the year. They feel leathery and give off a scent when crushed. Their shape ranges from oval to narrow and lance-shaped. Many curve and hang down from the stems. The upper surface is dull green, with blue beneath. Young leaves have a stronger blue cast. Flowers form in clusters where leaves meet the stems. Long stamens give each flower a soft, brush-like shape. They can be pink, red or sometimes white. Bloom runs from winter into spring, though reports differ on its end. Bees visit the flowers for food and help pollinate them. The fruit forms clusters of small, urn-shaped capsules.

Give this tree full sun and soil that drains well. It prefers soil with some fertility and stored moisture. Yet it also grows in poor ground, including limestone soils. It accepts sandy, loamy and clay soils across a broad pH range. Once settled, it can cope with dry soil and drought. Sources place it in USDA zones 10–11. In Britain, it suits only the mildest outdoor sites. It also grows well in climates with warm, dry summers.

Gardeners plant it for shade, flowers and its dark bark. It also serves as a specimen or street tree. Surface roots can cause problems when choosing a planting site. Its hard, dense wood has strength and resists decay. The tree also yields tannins and essential oil. Plants For A Future records no known food or medicinal uses. The supplied sources do not establish species-specific toxicity or identify particular pests and diseases.