Less hardy than most other eucalypts featured, yet its growth is so rapid that specimens can reach a large size between one damaging severe winter and the next. Also known as Tasmanian Blue Gum (previously considered a subspecies). Introduced 1829.

Native to a very limited area in south Victoria, and mostly in eastern Tasmania, Australia. Naturalised specimens have been in recorded in mild areas, including south-west Ireland, Isles of Scilly and Isle of Man.

Monoecious. Insect-pollinated. Tiny seeds are gravity- and wind-dispersed.

Large (40m or more), with a substantial dense canopy. Bark smooth, grey-white or grey-blue, shedding in long ribbons, rough near the base. Juvenile leaves oblong-ovate (6-15cm), opposite, silver blue-grey with a waxy bloom, floppy, sessile. Adult leaves lanceolate or sickle-shaped, large (10-30cm), glossy grey-green, leathery, hanging. Flowers mostly single (2-3) in leaf axils, glaucous, warty. Fruit capsule large (30x20mm) with a thick disc.

Hardy only to -5°C. Plant in full sun in moist but well-drained soils. Not for small gardens.

No notable associations where introduced.

None.

Low-quality timber, used for pulpwood and biomass. A fast-growing major commercial species in Spain and Portugal, where mild winters and high rainfall suit short-rotation crops harvested every 8-12 years. It also yields commercial honey from its abundant pollen and nectar, and its leaves give essential oils for cosmetic and medical use.