Eucalyptus viminalis
Manna gum, ribbon gum, Ribbon Gum
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Family: Myrtaceae · Type: Tree · Not Native
Eucalyptus viminalis (Manna gum) is a non-native California tree in the Myrtaceae family, recognized by distinctive 3-flowered umbels and ribbon-shedding bark.
Manna gum is a naturalized shrub found in coastal and southern California bioregions including Central Coast, South Coast, and Peninsular Ranges in disturbed areas at elevations below 100 meters. Flowering from July to September, this plant produces white stamens with small flowers clustered in three-flowered umbels. Growing to heights of 25 to 50 meters with straight stems, it features distinctive bark that generally sheds in long ribbons and appears smooth in white, gray, or tan colors. Its leaves are long and narrow, measuring 10 to 15 centimeters in length and 1 to 2.5 centimeters wide with a classic lanceolate shape. The plant produces small hemispheric fruits 5 to 7 millimeters long with protruding valves.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 8 sympatric species; distinctive 3-flowered umbels and ribbon-shedding bark
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Disturbed areas
Elevation: < 100 m
Outside California: native to southeastern Australia
Bloom period
Eucalyptus viminalis blooms Jul-Sep.
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 viminalis native to California?
No. Eucalyptus viminalis is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Eucalyptus viminalis bloom?
Eucalyptus viminalis blooms Jul-Sep.
What plant family does Eucalyptus viminalis belong to?
Eucalyptus viminalis is in the Myrtaceae family, genus Eucalyptus.
What habitat does Eucalyptus viminalis grow in?
Eucalyptus viminalis grows in Uncommon. Disturbed areas.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Eucalyptus camaldulensis — Red gum
- Eucalyptus citriodora — Lemon-scented gum
- Eucalyptus cladocalyx — Sugar gum
- Eucalyptus conferruminata — Spider gum
- Eucalyptus globulus — Blue gum
- Eucalyptus polyanthemos — Silver dollar gum
- Leptospermum laevigatum — Australian tea tree
- Leptospermum sp.
- Luma apiculata — Arrayan
- Luma sp.
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.