Common Name: Blue Mountains Ash

General Information

Eucalyptus oreades is an evergreen tree with a substantial crown; it can grow 30 - 40 metres tall. The bole is usually straight, in relatively dense forests it can be very long, and is up to 180cm in diameter[, , ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its wood. It has potential for use as an ornamental, the white bark contrasting well with the other associated species[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Australia - New South Wales, southeastern Queensland

Habitat

Open forest on cliff tops and rock outcrops; at elevations from 750 - 1,150 metres[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	35.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Eucalyptus oreades is native to the temperate climate of eastern Australia, where it is found at elevations from 800 - 1,300 metres. Rainfall occurs mainly in the summer, with a mean annual rainfall within the range 800 - 1,500mm and a non-severe dry season of up to 4 months. The mean maximum temperature of the hottest month is 21 - 27°c; mean minimum temperature of the coldest month is 0°c, and there are generally around 30 - 60 frosts a year[]. When dormant, the plant can survive temperatures down to about -10°c, but young growth is more tender and can be severely damaged at -1°c[].
Requires a sunny position, succeeding in a range of light to medium-textured, well-drained soils of high to moderate fertility[]. It is found in the wild mainly on sandstones, but grows best where the soil is moderately deep and well-drained[]. Prefers a pH in the range 5.5 - 6.5, tolerating 5 - 7[].
The prospects for planting this species as a crop are probably limited. The plantations at Knysna, South Africa, are excellent, but the coppicing ability of the species is poor, limiting its use for industrial plantations[].
Eucalyptus species have not adopted a deciduous habit and continue to grow until it is too cold for them to do so. This makes them more susceptible to damage from sudden cold snaps. If temperature fluctuations are more gradual, as in a woodland for example, the plants have the opportunity to stop growing and become dormant, thus making them more cold resistant. A deep mulch around the roots to prevent the soil from freezing also helps the trees to survive cold conditions[]. Many members of this genus are remarkably adaptable however, and there can be a dramatic increase in the hardiness of subsequent generations from the seed of survivors growing in temperate zones[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

An essential oil is obtained from the leaves. Total quantity of the oil, and its composition, can vary widely from plant to plant, but we have reports that the fresh leaves contain around 0.4 - 1.2% essential oil. The main components include phellandrene, 1,8-cineole, cymene, piperitone, eudesmol[].

The heartwood is pale yellow-brown with well-defined growth rings. The wood is moderately coarse textured, moderately strong but not durable, with a density of 610 kilos per cubic metre. It is used for joinery, general industrial purposes[, ].

Propagation

Seed - surface sow late winter/early spring in a sunny position in a greenhouse[, , ]. Species that come from high altitudes appreciate 6 - 8 weeks cold stratification at 2°c[]. Pot up the seedlings into individual pots as soon as the second set of seed leaves has developed, if left longer than this they might not move well. Plant out into their permanent positions in early summer and give them some protection from the cold in their first winter. The seed can also be sown in early summer, the young trees being planted in their final positions in late spring of the following year. The seed has a long viability[].