Eucalyptus stellulata (Black Sally) - A medium sized densely foliated erect tree to 20 to 50 feet tall with rough bark on the lower trunk and attractive smooth olive-green colored upright stems above. It has 3-inch-long broad elliptical leaves with unusual (for a Eucalypt) nearly parallel venation. The white to cream flowers are in star shaped clusters of seven or more and are abundant on the plant from fall to spring (October to April).
Plant in full sun and irrigate infrequently along the coast and occasionally and deeply in hotter inland locations. Withstands prolonged dry periods in cooler climates and also tolerates wet soil. Hardy to at least 12° F and sometimes listed to 0° F.
This tree occurs in open flat areas of the tablelands and mountains from near Wallangarra, New South Wales, through the Australian Capital Territory to near Melbourne, Victoria. The name for the genus comes from the Greek words 'eu' meaning "well" and 'kalypto' meaning 'to cover' as with a lid and an allusion to the united calyx-lobes and petals that is called an operculum that forms a lid or cap that is shed when the flowers open and the specific epithet "stellata" means star-like in reference to the arrangement of the flower buds. The common name Black Sally is also sometimes spelled Black Sallee and it is also called Muzzlewood. This plant is good for screening or as an attractive shade tree and the timber is used for firewood. We received this plant through the efforts of the Santa Barbara Tree Diversity Committee but only grew it from 2008 to 2009.
This information about Eucalyptus stellulata displayed is based on research conducted in our horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also will relate observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments that we receive from others and we welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share any cultural information that would aid others in growing it.
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