Too often the genus Eucalyptus is overlooked, probably because of bad experiences with the few messy and brittle species used in older landscapes. However, there are over 450 species of Eucalyptus, and many of them are great choices for landscaping in desert climates. Several smaller species from the desert regions of Western Australia have proven themselves as outstanding landscape trees in the Phoenix area. In fact, these trees are showcased in established freeway plantings near our nursery. We'd be happy to point them out to you the next time you visit us!

This small tree resembles a big feathery cassia, with needlelike grey leaves and a bushy growth habit. Forman's Eucalyptus wants to grow as a multi, to about 12-18 feet tall and wide. It has attractive, rough grey bark, and blooms with masses of creamy white flowers. This eucalyptus is the most cold-hardy species we carry, tolerating temperatures down to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

This medium-sized tree has narrow grey-green leaves, with rugged dark grey bark on the trunk and branches. It grows slowly to 50 feet tall and wide. The species name means "large and glittering", and refers to the creamy white flowers it produces in the spring. Black box would be a close substitute for Eucalyptus microtheca because they have similar leaves and bark. Black box tends to have single, straight trunks, while Eucalyptus microtheca usually has multi-trunks.

Growing to about 40 feet tall by 25 feet wide, this tree has powdery white trunks, which contrast nicely with its large, light green leaves. This species has a semi-weeping growth habit, and produces very little litter. ADOT has liked its performance on older freeway rights-of-way, and continues to specify it on new projects.

One of the most beautiful features of this tree is its smooth, salmon-colored bark. Salmon gum also has narrow, shiny, bright green leaves which shimmer in the sunlight. Although trees up to 80 feet tall have been reported in Australia, older trees in Phoenix are only 40 feet tall and wide. It is slow-growing, and will be one of the best choices for residential landscapes. Salmon gum is moderately salt-tolerant. In Western Australia, this tree has been a main source of timber and firewood.

Very similar in appearance to Salmon gum, Eucalyptus salubris has narrow, shiny green leaves, with smooth red-brown bark. Gimlet is a smaller tree, growing to about 20-25 feet in the Phoenix area. Like salmon gum, it is also slow-growing. This species of eucalyptus is especially suitable for sites with heavy clay soils, although it will suffer if overwatered.

This extremely salt-tolerant tree can grow to 30-40 feet tall and wide under cultivation. It has been useful as a windbreak in salty soils. An attractive tree, this eucalyptus has narrow, grey-green leaves and smooth brown branches. The dark grey bark exfoliates in strips from the trunk.