Snow gum

Profile

Family

Myrtaceae

Habit

Tree

Height

6 m

Spread

4 m

Growth

fast

Lifespan

250 years

First yield

after 6 years

Hardiness

zone 7–9

Shade tolerance

full sun

Soil

Sand, Silt, Loam

Soil moisture

very dry – very moist

pH

6 – 7.5

Flowering & harvest

Times apply to the northern hemisphere in a temperate climate and shift with altitude and cultivar.

Uses

Medicinal: California poppy is a bitter sedative that acts as a diuretic, relieves pain, relaxes spasms, and promotes sweating. The entire plant is harvested during flowering and dried for use in tinctures and infusions. It is taken internally to treat nervous tension, anxiety, insomnia, and incontinence (especially in children). The watery juice is mildly narcotic and has been used to alleviate toothaches. Its effects are similar to opium poppy but much milder, without suppressing the central nervous system. Another report suggests that it has a distinctly different effect on the central nervous system, not being a narcotic but tending to normalize psychological function. It gently acts as an antispasmodic, sedative, and analgesic, making it a valuable herbal medicine for treating physical and mental issues in children. It may also be useful in addressing bedwetting, sleep disorders, nervous tension, and anxiety. An extract of the root is used as a wash on the breasts to suppress milk flow in lactating women.

Other uses: The leaves contain between 0.7 and 0.8% essential oil with antiseptic properties. The plant is tolerant to sea exposure and can be cultivated in coastal areas. The wood is suitable for use as fuel.

Propagation

Sow the seeds in February/March on the surface in a sunny location in a greenhouse. Species originating from high altitudes benefit from a cold stratification of 6-8 weeks at 2°C. Transplant the seedlings into individual pots once the second pair of leaves has developed to ensure good growth. Plant them in their final position in early summer and protect them from cold in the first winter. Seeds can also be sown in June, with the young trees being planted in their final location in late spring of the following year. The seeds have a long shelf life.

Notable

Special features: drought+(sea)wind+tolerant; due to sensitive roots, it should be planted out as early as possible; initially with winter protection; pollarding begins after 3 years of establishment; in temperate climates, Eucalyptus produce less essential oil than in the Mediterranean-tropical regions, but there is less risk of invasion and wildfires here; originating from the high mountains of Australia, it thrives even in Norway.

Origin & habitat

Australia - New South Wales, Victoria.

In central and southern Japan, dense scrub vegetation develops in open areas within forests and humid regions.

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