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Blakely's red gum

Eucalyptus blakelyi

iNaturalist Wikipedia

A cornerstone of the Australian bush, Blakely's red gum is a majestic evergreen known for its smooth, mottled bark and its vital role in supporting honey-loving birds and arboreal mammals.

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0 Habitats

Quick Identification

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Size

A medium-sized tree typically reaching 10–25 metres (33–82 feet) in height with a trunk diameter up to 1 metre.

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Colors

Bark is mottled with patches of white, grey, and cream; leaves are a dull bluish-green on both sides.

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Key Features

Smooth bark that sheds in large plates or flakes
Dull bluish-green, lance-shaped adult leaves
Flower buds typically arranged in groups of seven
Cup-shaped to hemispherical fruit with protruding valves

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active day and night

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Peak hours 24 hours (provides habitat and nectar throughout the day and night)

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Season October-January (Flowering season)

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Diet As a primary producer, this tree creates energy through photosynthesis, requiring well-drained soil, carbon dioxide, and significant sunlight.

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Habitat Found primarily in woodlands and open forests, often on the tablelands and western slopes, preferring heavier soils that retain some moisture.

public Geographic range

Where Does the Blakely's red gum Live?

Native to the eastern mainland of Australia, Blakely's red gum is a defining feature of the inland slopes and tablelands of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Its range extends north into the southern regions of Queensland and southward into the northern reaches of Victoria. It thrives in the temperate zones along the Great Dividing Range, often forming the dominant canopy in grassy woodland communities where the climate is characterized by cool winters and warm summers.

Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors

1 Countries

450K km² Range

Least Concern Conservation

AU Australia

Marginal

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iNaturalist / Verified observation data

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Behavior

Blakely's red gum is a foundational species in Australian grassy woodland ecosystems. Unlike animals, its 'behavior' is defined by its seasonal growth cycles and its interactions with local fauna. It is a prolific flowerer, typically bursting into bloom between October and January. During these months, the tree becomes a bustling hub of activity, producing copious amounts of nectar that attract a wide array of honeyeaters, lorikeets, and native bees. It plays a critical role in the 'mating' of the landscape by providing the necessary energy for migrating birds moving along the Great Dividing Range.

This species is also known for its resilience and long-term survival strategy. As it matures, it naturally sheds limbs and develops hollows, which are essential nesting sites for parrots, owls, and arboreal mammals like gliders and brushtail possums. In suburban environments, it acts as a vital bridge for wildlife, though it is susceptible to 'dieback' caused by over-grazing by insects like psyllids, often linked to imbalances in the local bird population that would otherwise keep these pests in check.

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Camera Tips

Capturing the life around a Blakely's red gum requires a dual-angle strategy. To document the high-energy nectar feeders like the Swift Parrot or various Honeyeaters, mount your camera on a high-reaching pole or a neighboring structure, angled toward the outer canopy during the spring flowering season. Use a fast shutter speed or high-frame-rate video setting, as these birds move rapidly between blossoms. Early morning light (6:00 AM to 9:00 AM) provides the best illumination for the bluish-green foliage and white flowers.

For arboreal mammals like the Sugar Glider or Common Brushtail Possum, place your camera directly on the main trunk of the tree at a height of 3 to 5 metres (10–16 feet), facing downward toward a specific fork or hollow entrance. Infrared triggers are essential here, as these creatures are strictly nocturnal. If you are looking to capture the tree’s unique 'mottled' bark textures, set your camera to take high-resolution stills during midday when the sun is directly overhead, which highlights the contrast between the white and grey patches.

If your goal is to monitor the overall health of your backyard ecosystem, consider a time-lapse setting. By taking one photo every hour, you can document the tree’s seasonal changes—from the shedding of bark in large plates to the dramatic explosion of white flowers. Ensure your camera is secured with a heavy-duty strap, as the smooth bark of the Blakely's red gum offers little friction, and the camera may slip during heavy winds or rain if not tightened properly.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Blakely's red gum.

River Red Gum

Found near rivers and creeks; has smaller buds and fruit, and usually greener foliage.

Yellow Box

Has rough, fibrous bark on the lower trunk and smaller, more delicate flowers.

Dwyer's Red Gum

Usually smaller and more mallee-like (multi-stemmed), often found on rocky ridges.

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Frequently Asked Questions

While the tree is a permanent fixture, it 'comes alive' for wildlife at two distinct times: during the day for nectar-feeding birds and insects, and at night for nocturnal marsupials like possums and gliders that use its hollows.

You can plant tubestock from a local native nursery. They prefer well-drained, heavier soils and plenty of sun. Once established, they will naturally attract a variety of native Australian wildlife.

Like all eucalypts, they are autotrophs, meaning they produce their own food from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, while drawing essential minerals from the soil.

Yes, they are very common in suburban areas of the Australian Capital Territory (Canberra) and regional New South Wales, where they are often kept as shade trees in parks and large gardens.

Blakely's red gum usually grows on higher ground (slopes and tablelands), whereas the River Red Gum (E. camaldulensis) is found along watercourses. Blakely's also has more consistently bluish-green leaves compared to the greener leaves of the River Red Gum.

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