River red gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis
River red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Myrtaceae family, native to Throughout mainland Australia, along rivers and floodplains: the most widespread eucalypt. It grows 20–40 m (66–131 ft) tall and 15–25 m (49–82 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -8 °C (18 °F). Space plants about 20 m (66 ft) apart.
Plan River red gum in your garden →
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River red gum at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Mature height | 20–40 m (66–131 ft) |
| Mature spread | 15–25 m (49–82 ft) |
| Spacing | 20 m (66 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance high |
| Soil pH | 5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -8 °C (18 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 46 °C (115 °F) |
| Flowering | about 365–521 weeks after planting, for 6–10 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Throughout mainland Australia, along rivers and floodplains: the most widespread eucalypt |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇮🇳 India, 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇲🇦 Morocco |
| Invasive in | South Africa, California, Spain and Portugal (riverbanks): check local rules before planting |
Is River red gum toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves, essential oil
Eucalyptus oil is poisonous if swallowed (drooling, vomiting, drowsiness); keep the oil away from children and pets.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with River red gum
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Guava: Myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) infects guava, feijoa, Surinam cherry and many other Myrtaceae; it spreads by airborne spores between them. Evidence B
Questions about River red gum
- How far apart should I plant River red gum?
- About 20 m (66 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 15–25 m (49–82 ft).
- Does River red gum need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does River red gum need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance high.
- How cold-hardy is River red gum?
- It tolerates about -8 °C (18 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does River red gum flower?
- About 365–521 weeks after planting, for 6–10 weeks.
- Is River red gum poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Eucalyptus oil is poisonous if swallowed (drooling, vomiting, drowsiness); keep the oil away from children and pets.
- What grows well with River red gum?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for River red gum. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- PlantNET: the NSW Flora Online, National Herbarium of New South Wales, Botanic Gardens of Sydney
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
Notes and assumptions
- A huge, spreading tree of inland rivers, with smooth white, grey and red bark and massive limbs; it can stand months of flooding and long drought. Famous for dropping big branches without warning on hot, still days, so never camp or park under one. Far too big for gardens, and planted as a timber and shade tree around the Mediterranean, where it now invades riverbanks.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lemon myrtle Backhousia citriodora
- Guava Psidium guajava
- Feijoa Acca sellowiana
- Surinam cherry (pitanga) Eugenia uniflora
- Cider gum (eucalyptus) Eucalyptus gunnii
- Lilly pilly Syzygium smithii
- Crimson bottlebrush Melaleuca citrina
- Mānuka (tea tree) Leptospermum scoparium