Gum, Yellow

Yellow gum or Eucalyptus leucoxylon is a medium sized hardwood that grows to about twenty metres in height. It is difficult to describe yellow gum as a single tree type, as there are many different sub-species, each with its own appearance and habitat. In general, trees of this species are noted for their long flowering period and attractive bark, which is dark and fibrous at the base of the trunk. The remainder of the trunk is smooth, grey, mottled yellow or white and bluish-grey on the upper trunk and branches.

The overall species has a native range extending from southern NSW through central and western Victoria into most of South Australia, including Kangaroo Island. Yellow gum is suited to most areas except the tropics and adapts to most soils. It is drought and frost tolerant, and moderately fast growing. It also tolerates smog.

Yellow gum timbers are prized for their hardness, durability and impressive structural properties. Its vast range and availability make it an appealing choice for those requiring timber for heavy construction purposes. Common uses include heavy construction as posts, wharfage, bridgework, sleepers and fencing.

The timber is also termite resistant, although the sapwood is prone to lyctid borer. Workability is sacrificed for durability, as the timber is extremely dense and heavy. For this reason, it is not well suited to cabinetry.

Yellow gum timber ranges in colour from yellow to pale brown. Grain is interlocked with a moderately coarse texture and often produces an attractive fiddleback figure.

Yellow gum is often used in gardening as a screen, for windbreaks, and for displays of long-lasting, attractive flowers. It can be used to produce fine honey.