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Products > Tristaniopsis laurina (Standard)   Tristaniopsis laurina (Standard) - Water Gum    [2nd Image] Habit and Cultural Information Category: Tree Family: Myrtaceae (Myrtles) Origin: Australia (Australasia) Evergreen: Yes Flower Color: Yellow Bloomtime: Spring Synonyms: [Tristania laurina] Height: 25-40 feet Width: 10-20 feet Exposure: Sun or Shade Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F Tristaniopsis laurina (Water Gum) - This is a slow growing upright evergreen tree that occurs naturally on moist, well-drained sites along the east coast of Australia that with great age can reach to 45 feet tall but more typically it is found as a 15 to 30 foot tall tree. It has narrow glossy leaves that are darker above and paler below and turn more reddish with the onset of cold weather. The leaves are borne on mahogany-colored young branches with larger branches having an attractive smooth bark that becomes more scaly with age. The fragrant yellow flowers appear in late spring to early summer and are attractive to bees. Plant in sun or part shade in a wide range of soil types, including sandy loams or even heavier clay provided that there is decent drainage. Irrigate regularly to only occasionally. It is a good candidate for a lawn tree and its slow growth rate makes it a good choice for smaller gardens or street plantings. Hardy to 20 to 25 F We had severe damage to tips and young trees in the freeze of 1990 when temperatures dropped to 18 F but older trees survived these temperatures. Trees of Tristania laurina were among the early plantings in the Strybing Arboretum and were later trialled for 10 years by the Saratoga Horticultural Foundation before being released into the California horticultural trade in 1963. The oldest trees planted in San Francisco on Castro Street between 16th and Market are 30 feet tall.  This description of this plant is based on our research and our observations of it growing at the nursery, in our own garden and in other gardens. We always appreciate receiving feedback of any kind from those who have any additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written or have additional cultural tips that would aid others growing Tristaniopsis laurina .     [MORE INFO]