Eucalyptus citriodora
Lemon-scented gum
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Family: Myrtaceae · Type: Tree · Not Native
Eucalyptus citriodora (Lemon-scented gum) is a non-native California tree in the Myrtaceae family, recognized by unique lemon scent and paniculate inflorescence.
Lemon-scented gum is a naturalized shrub found in southern coastal California in disturbed coastal areas at elevations generally below 200 meters. Flowering from December to May, this plant produces white stamens in panicle inflorescences of 3 to 5 flowers. Growing to an impressive 20 to 35 meters tall with a straight, slender form, it features smooth bark that sheds in irregular pieces, initially white or golden and aging to tan. Its lanceolate leaves are 10 to 20 centimeters long and emit a distinctive lemon scent when crushed. The fruit is small, less than 15 millimeters long, and urn-shaped with valves that remain enclosed within the hypanthium.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 8 sympatric species; unique lemon scent and paniculate inflorescence
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Disturbed coastal areas
Elevation: generally < 200 m
Outside California: native to northeastern Australia
Bloom period
Eucalyptus citriodora blooms Dec-May.
How to tell it apart
vs Corymbia: Check the bud cap texture - Corymbia caps are usually warty or ribbed, Eucalyptus smooth; vs Quercus: Oak flowers are tiny catkins; eucalyptus flowers are showy stamen bursts with caps; vs Melaleuca: Bottlebrush has normal petals in dense spikes; eucalyptus petals fuse into detachable cap; vs Salix: Willow has fuzzy catkins and narrow leaves; eucalyptus has caplike buds and aromatic leaves; vs Acacia: Acacia has yellow fluffy balls and compound leaves; eucalyptus has white bursts and simple leaves
Frequently asked questions
Is Eucalyptus citriodora native to California?
No. Eucalyptus citriodora is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Eucalyptus citriodora bloom?
Eucalyptus citriodora blooms Dec-May.
What plant family does Eucalyptus citriodora belong to?
Eucalyptus citriodora is in the Myrtaceae family, genus Eucalyptus.
What habitat does Eucalyptus citriodora grow in?
Eucalyptus citriodora grows in Uncommon. Disturbed coastal areas.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.