Description

Native to Southeastern Australia and the island of Tasmania, this is a large evergreen tree that grows up to 297 ft. tall and 6 ft. or more in diameter with most growing from 100-175 ft. feet tall. The tallest currently known specimen in Tasmania is currently 297 ft.  The natural distribution of the species includes Tasmania and southern Victoria (particularly the Otway Ranges and southern Gippsland). This species was planted in Hawaii in 1865 after being successfully planted in Western California in 1856 from Australian seeds.  Blue Gum trees have been a part of the California landscape since the Gold Rush.  They were planted in huge numbers well before the timber speculation wave hit. Part of the reason for planting the trees was for windbreaks on farms and orchards, as seedlings can grow 25 feet per season for several years after planting, and don t need much additional help growing. Tasmanian Blue Gum leaves are used as a therapeutic herbal tea.  The flowers of the tree are a good source of nectar and pollen for bees.  The tree has naturalized in California and Hawaii and about 1915 was starting to be viewed as an invasive species in California.  As of 2014 this Australian Blue Gum is considered the #1 invasive exotic species in California so you are helping to restore California s original ecosystem by using this unique, dense evergreen.  The wood is closer to the density and working properties of Brazilian hardwoods than any hardwoods that are native to North America. Veneers may have slight rough edge ends. Pieces are larger than listed, but edge end checking accounted for. May not be perfectly flat due to the nature of figured veneer. The sheet is sliced at 1 32 thick but due to shrinkage, the sheets will be thinner than listed. EACH SHEET SOLD SEPARATELY: 1 SHEET INCLUDED