Tristaniopsis laurina

Common Name:
Water Gum

Description:
Tristaniopsis laurina, commonly known as Water Gum, is a handsome Australian native tree valued for its glossy evergreen foliage, smooth decorative bark, and golden yellow summer flowers. Naturally found along riverbanks and moist gullies in eastern Australia, this adaptable species performs beautifully in urban gardens and streetscapes throughout Melbourne. The foliage is dark green, with new growth often tinged bronze, and its bark is attractively mottled in grey, brown, and cream tones. In late spring to summer, clusters of fragrant, bright yellow flowers with wavy petals appear, attracting bees and other pollinators. Water Gum is often grown as a feature tree or used in avenue planting due to its tidy form and resilience. It prefers full sun to part shade and grows well in a variety of soil types, including clay and loam, provided they are well-drained. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant and copes with occasional wet periods. Tristaniopsis laurina responds well to pruning and can be shaped for hedging or used in topiary or espalier styles.

Form:
*Tree - Medium
*Suitable for Hedging
*Suitable for Topiary
Suitable for Espalier

Mature Size:
*Height: 6 to 12 metres
Width: 3 to 5 metres

Aspect:
*Full Sun
Part Shade

Flowering:
*Flowers in Spring
Flowers in Summer

Flower Colour:
Yellow

Key Attributes:
*Australian native
*Bee Attracting
*Scented flowers
*Suitable for Hedging
*Suitable for Topiary
*Suitable for Espalier
*Evergreen
*Low Maintenance
*Street Tree Suitable
*Frost Tolerant
Drought Tolerant (once established)

Toxicity:
*Non-toxic to humans
Non-toxic to pets

Companion Plants:
*Lomandra longifolia
*Callistemon 'Kings Park Special'
*Westringia fruticosa
*Grevillea 'Superb'
Leptospermum laevigatum