Eucalyptus sideroxylon
you-kuh-LIP-tus sye-der-OX-ee-lon

Red or Pink Ironbark,
Mulga, Mugga
Myrtaceae (Myrtle family)
Origin: Australia

Species characteristics:
Form - Evergreen. Fast growing, variable in form, may be open or dense, slender or wide, weeping or upright, to 60'.

Trunk - Deeply furrowed, persistent bark is very dark reddish brown to black.

Foliage - Leaves drooping from 1" reddish leaf stalks are long and slender, pointed, often curved, green to blue green, turning bronze in winter.

Flowers/fruit - Flowers of the species are a creamy white, however, only the most frequently seen, 'Rosea', is discussed here. Flowers are borne in fluffy, drooping clusters in winter. Fruit are goblet shaped, 3/8" capsules with thin, oblique discs.

Cultivars -'Rosea' is a pink flowering variety. Others are available with very gray foliage and darker bark. Due to variability in color from pale pink to light crimson, selection should be made when in flower.

No significant pest problems are known at this time.

Site suitability:
Sunset zones: 9, 14 -17, and 19 - 24. Hardy to 25°.

Clearances - Suitable for 6' minimum parkways, medians or cutouts.

Good for street sides, medians, parks and lawns

Culture considerations:
Flower and seed litter. Tolerant of most soils, drought, and air pollution. Needs water during long, dry period to avoid stress. Becomes chlorotic in wet, heavy soil. Best to select uniform specimens with established characteristics.