Silver Dollar Eucalyptus

Silver Dollar Eucalyptus      

Botanical name: Eucalyptus cinerea

Bloom type: Perennial

Silver Dollar eucalyptus is a small evergreen tree or shrub native to Australia.  It can grow rapidly (6-8 feet in one season).   The leaves are round, fragrant and an attractive silver color, hence the common name, silver dollar tree.  The bark is reddish brown and peels on smaller stems and becomes gray and stringy on the trunk as the tree matures.  

In its native environment, it can reach 60 feet.  It is not reliably cold-hardy, but often comes back during the growing season, even after a hard freeze. In cold climates these plants are commonly grown in containers as either shrubs or annuals. Container plants can be placed on patios or sunk into the ground, but must be brought indoors in fall before first frost for overwintering.

This plant is moderately salt-tolerant.  It is grown primarily for its foliage but rarely produces flowers.  The foliage is fragrant and is frequently used in floral arrangements.

Minor skin irritation can occur when handling bark or leaves.  Plant oil is extremely toxic, especially if large quantities are ingested.  

Quick ID Hints:

• Opposite, round, sessile, blue-green leaves
• Leaves/stems emit eucalyptus odor when bruised

The Eucalyptus genus has 2 leaf morphologies- adult and juvenile; in zone 7b, specimens usually do not survive to the adult stage, so the leaves that we see are the orbicular, sessile, opposite juvenile leaves; bruised bark and leaves give off a characteristic eucalyptus odor; dried leafy branches sometimes are used in floral arrangements; in Australia and New Zealand, eucalyptus species are referred to as 'gums'. 

Drought tolerant when established; intolerant of mild winters and early/late freezes; prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Pest Problems: No serious insect or disease problems. 

Information sourced from the NC Master Gardener Plant Toolbox