Leaves: Mature leaves are mostly alternate with petioles, a distinct midrib with forking veins from the midrib. While juvenile leaves are round and often sold as dry arrangements, mature leaves can be lanceolate or ovate as in this specimen with a bluish green tinge and is very aromatic when bruised.

LOCATION

Owner: Mary Fenner
Nominated by: Mary Fenner
Accessible: Private residence, back yard next to house 120 Doe Run.
Coordinates: State Plane
GA West NAD83 (feet)
E: 2,569,470 N: 1,422,314


Notes: Eucalyptus is not a tree common in the Georgia piedmont. A native of Australia they are not cold hardy as we would know it, and trees like this champion are rare indeed. Typically trees of the genus will succumb or at least die-back with early or late freezes, such that the tree remains stunted or exist as a shrub. However the foliage is so beautiful, it is often worth the effort. While specific identification was not made (there are over 500 species), the “Red Flowering Gum” (E. ficifolia) seems a good candidate, but it is less cold tolerant than most and is not recommended above the “citrus” zone of Florida. Close proximity to the house may have slightly modified the micro-climate to accommodate this tree, for it is a fine specimen.

Bark: Gray to reddish brown heavily grooved and spirally arrange with a heave shag.