Cider gum - Forest Research

Native range

Native to Tasmania and introduced into Britain over 150 years ago. Widely grown as an ornamental species and several forest plots survive in lowland and coastal areas of Britain.

Provenance Choice

Provenance trials have suggested that some material will withstand up to -20°C; seed should be selected from high elevation areas in Tasmania to obtain maximum cold hardiness.

Site Requirements

It can be damaged by late frosts so that frost hollows should be avoided. A fast growing light demanding species with moderate stem form and which does not tolerate wind exposure. Best growth is found on soils of poor to medium nutrient regime and of moderately dry to fresh soil moisture. Not suited to nutritionally very poor soils or to peats, but shows some tolerance of alkaline soils.

Pests and Pathogens

Can be susceptible to Phytophthora root rot, and may also be affected by silver leaf (Chondrostereum purpureum) which can be a progressive and often fatal disease.

Use

This is probably the safest eucalypt species to plant in Britain at the present time and the potential range is likely to expand with climate warming. However, for the next decades, its use is likely to be restricted to lowland areas in eastern Britain and milder areas of western Britain close to the coasts.

Cider gum is categorised as a secondary tree species. These are species that have been planted on a much smaller scale than the principal species but are reasonably well understood and have demonstrated their suitability for forestry in terms of stem form, growth rate and hardiness under current conditions and so have potential for wider use in future.