Smaller eucalypt with juvenile silver-grey rounded leaves clasping the stem, often kept in juvenile leaf form by hard pruning for the florist trade. Leaves produce a strong range of orange, yellow, and rust dyes.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 8–11 | −12.2 °C to 10 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H4 | −10 °C to −5 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 9 | −1 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 3–7 | −5 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
Growing notes
- Strong orange-rust dye extracted from the leaves — among the most reliable natural dyes from the eucalypts, useful even without a metal mordant
- Cut and kept in juvenile foliage form by hard pruning every year or two — the round silver-grey leaves of the cut-flower trade
- Distinct from Eucalyptus globulus and E. citriodora already in the database — E. cinerea is grown for foliage and dye rather than for oil or timber
- Drought tolerant once established, frost-tolerant to about -8 °C
Pet caution: Silver dollar gum is listed as potentially harmful to cats and/or dogs. Keep pets from grazing on it, and contact a vet if you suspect your animal has eaten some.
Categories
Related plants
Cross-check Silver dollar gum against your zones