Eucalyptus conferruminata
Spider gum, bushy yate, Bushy Yate
(c) Millie Basden, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Millie Basden · licence
Family: Myrtaceae · Type: Shrub · Not Native
Eucalyptus conferruminata (Spider gum) is a non-native California shrub in the Myrtaceae family, recognized by unique fused flower/fruit clusters and yellow-green stamens.
Spider gum is a naturalized shrub found in coastal California regions including the Central Coast and Southern Coast, typically in disturbed coastal areas at elevations below 200 meters. Flowering from April to July, this plant produces yellow-green flowers in umbels with 7 to 19 blossoms that are fused at their base. Growing 1 to 5 meters tall with irregularly branched stems, it features smooth bark that sheds in short light gray or tan strips. Its leaves are glossy light green, elliptic to elongate-elliptic, measuring 5 to 9 centimeters long and 1 to 4 centimeters wide. The fruit forms a distinctive cluster 3 to 6 centimeters wide, with three exserted valves and persistent style remnants.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 8 sympatric species; unique fused flower/fruit clusters and yellow-green stamens
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Disturbed coastal areas
Elevation: generally < 200 m
California counties: San Diego, Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Monterey
Outside California: native to southwestern Australia
Bloom period
Eucalyptus conferruminata blooms Apr-Jul.
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 conferruminata native to California?
No. Eucalyptus conferruminata is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Eucalyptus conferruminata bloom?
Eucalyptus conferruminata blooms Apr-Jul.
Where in California does Eucalyptus conferruminata grow?
Eucalyptus conferruminata occurs in San Diego, Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Monterey, at elevations of generally < 200 m.
What plant family does Eucalyptus conferruminata belong to?
Eucalyptus conferruminata is in the Myrtaceae family, genus Eucalyptus.
What habitat does Eucalyptus conferruminata grow in?
Eucalyptus conferruminata grows in Uncommon. Disturbed coastal areas.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-09-30
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.