Family: Myrtaceae
Silver dollar gum is a medium-sized tree with a dense, upright crown. Rarely blooming, this species is valued for its unique foliage. The incredibly fragrant leaves are silver, round, and attach to the branch without stems. The visual effect is reminiscent of silver dollars, hence the common name.
Not a good tree close to the built environment as the roots are intrusive. It makes a great container plant. A rapid grower, prune heavily to encourage the robust growth of small branches full of leaves. More branches equal more leafstalks, the kind valued in dries floral arrangments. Silver dollar gum grows best with full sun and well-drained soils.
Minor skin irritation occurs when the leaves or bark is handled, and the oil is extremely toxic, especially if ingested in large quantities.
Plant Uses:
- Container plant
- Fragrant
- Ornamental
Plant Dangers:
- Toxic to animals and humans
High Risk Traits:
- Broad climate versatility (hardiness zones 8B–11; tolerates salt, frost, and poor soils)
- Repeated introductions outside native range
- Congeneric weeds present (other Eucalyptus species are documented weeds)
- Unpalatable to grazing animals
- Host for specialized pests (e.g., psyllid Ctenarytaina eucalypti)
- Creates fire hazard (genus-level flammability)
- Tolerates wide range of soil types
- Self-compatible
- Reproduces vegetatively via lignotuber
- Propagules dispersed intentionally by people and by wind
- Prolific seed production
- Tolerates mutilation, fire, and coppicing
Low Risk Traits:
- No evidence of naturalization or weediness
- No spines, thorns, or burrs
- No evidence of allelopathy, toxicity, or parasitism
- Not shade tolerant
- No persistent seed bank (seeds viable <1 year)
- No evidence of water, bird, or animal dispersal
