Narrow-leaved ironbark tree

How to identify a narrow-leaved ironbark

The bark is the giveaway: hard, dark grey to black and deeply furrowed, running from the base of the trunk right up into the small branches. Adult leaves are narrow, 5.5 to 18 cm long and dull green to grey-green on both sides. Small white flowers open from buds grouped in sevens, nines or elevens, mostly in winter, and are followed by tiny cup- or barrel-shaped gumnuts 2 to 7 mm long. Grey ironbark, another local ironbark, has larger, diamond-shaped buds and cone-shaped fruit.

Growing a narrow-leaved ironbark in Brisbane

This is a local native of South East Queensland's dry eucalypt forests, where it grows on ridges and slopes with shallow, stony or sandy soils of modest fertility. That makes it a good fit for poor, well-drained ground. It is a big tree, though, reaching about 25 m, so it suits acreage, parks and large blocks rather than small suburban yards. Keep it well away from the house, sewer lines and water pipes.

What to watch out for

Size and roots are the issues. It reaches about 25 m and up to 35 m, and Unitywater lists large gum trees among plants not to grow near water and sewer pipes, so plant it well clear of the house and services. Koalas feed on it in South East Queensland, so check for wildlife before any pruning or removal.

• Size. It grows into a medium to large tree of about 25 m and can reach 35 m, so it needs plenty of space.

Pruning and care

Ironbarks need little care once established. Prune only to remove dead, damaged or crossing branches and to keep clearance over roofs, driveways and power lines, cutting back to a branch collar and avoiding heavy topping. Young trees can be trained to a single strong leader. The tree can reshoot from a woody swelling at its base, called a lignotuber, if the top is damaged. Work on a large eucalypt is a job for a professional with the right gear.

• Tree pruning
• Tree removal
• Tree health assessment
• Storm damage cleanup