Brisbane tree guide

Water gum

Tristaniopsis laurina · also called Kanooka, Kanuka

The water gum is a tidy native tree from the creek banks of eastern Australia, including South East Queensland. Glossy dark leaves, coppery new growth, smooth bark that weathers to patches of olive and grey, and sweetly scented yellow flowers in summer have made it a popular street tree. Brisbane City Council plants the 'Luscious' form, which grows 7 to 12 metres tall.

Native to South East Queensland
7 to 12 m tall
Flowers December to February

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Water gum, from Wikimedia Commons — Photo: Unknown, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Water gum at a glance

Height: 7 to 12 m (up to 30 m in the wild)
Leaves: Evergreen
Flowers: Yellow, December to February
Origin: East coast from the Bundaberg area in Queensland to Gippsland in Victoria
Power lines: Not on the council's list for under power lines
Family: Myrtaceae

How to identify a water gum

Water gum has narrow, glossy leaves about 6 to 14 cm long, dark green on top and greyish and softly hairy underneath, with new growth in shades of copper and bronze. The smooth, pale bark sheds in thin strips and, on older trees, weathers into a patchwork of olive green and silver-grey. In summer it carries small clusters of bright yellow, five-petalled flowers about 1.5 cm across, which resemble yellow tea-tree blooms, followed by small woody capsules. Despite the name it is not a eucalypt. 'Luscious', the form council plants, has larger, glossier leaves than the wild species.

Growing a water gum in Brisbane

Water gum grows naturally along streams in South East Queensland and suits Brisbane well. Although it comes from creek banks, it handles dry spells once established and grows in sandy loams or heavier soils as long as drainage is reasonable. At 7 to 12 metres with a compact crown, it fits suburban front yards and lawns, and it is one of the trees Brisbane City Council uses in its Riparian street plantings. Council does not list it for streets with power lines.

What to watch out for

Water gum is not on Brisbane City Council's weed list. Council does not list it for streets with power lines, so plant it away from overhead wires. In very dry, exposed spots it needs extra water through dry periods to look its best.

Pruning and care

Water gum needs little pruning. Remove dead or crossing branches with clean cuts just outside the branch collar, and lift lower limbs if you need clearance over a path or lawn. It also takes being cut back, so it can be kept smaller than its natural size. It appreciates extra water in dry spells, especially while young, and a layer of mulch over the root zone helps keep the soil moist.

Water gum: your questions

Short answers, from the sources below.

Back to the tree guide

How tall does a water gum grow?

In Brisbane streets and gardens a water gum usually grows 7 to 12 metres tall with a fairly compact crown. In the wild along creeks it can reach about 30 metres.

Is water gum good for small gardens?

Yes. It stays compact, grows well in lawns and takes pruning, so it suits smaller gardens and front yards. Allow for 7 to 12 metres in height unless you cut it back.

When does water gum flower in Brisbane?

Brisbane City Council lists it as a summer bloomer. Clusters of small, bright yellow, sweetly scented flowers appear from about December to February.

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Sources and credits

Photo: Unknown, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Checked October 2026. Weed listings and council rules change: check the council's and the Queensland Government's pages before you act.