Australian trees: ID, care & where to find native species

Some Australian trees grow so tall they feel like forests of giants. Eucalyptus regnans, for example, can top 100 meters. But Australian trees aren’t just huge—many are small, tough, and built to survive drought, fire, and poor soil. If you want to spot them, plant them, or care for them in a yard or park, this short practical guide will help.

How to ID the most common types

Start with leaves. Eucalypts (gum trees) often have long, narrow leaves that smell when crushed and shed bark in strips or patches. Acacias (wattles) usually have feathery or phyllode leaves and bright yellow flower clusters in winter and spring. Banksias show cone-like flower spikes and serrated or narrow leaves; they attract birds and nectar feeders. Melaleucas (paperbarks) have papery bark and bottlebrush flowers. If a tree has needle-like leaves and cone seeds, it could be a native pine like the hoop or bunya pine.

Look at bark, flowers and seed pods next. Many species have distinctive bark textures or colorful blooms that make ID faster. Carry a local field guide or use a plant ID app with location turned on for better matching.

Practical care tips for home and city gardens

Choose the right tree for your spot. Pick drought-tolerant native species for dry, hot areas and smaller shrubs for tight yards. Avoid planting large eucalypts too close to homes or powerlines—roots and falling branches can cause problems. Plant in the cooler months so roots can establish before summer heat. When planting, dig a hole twice the root ball width, backfill with native soil, and water deeply once a week for the first three months.

Mulch around the base to keep moisture and reduce weeds, but leave a gap of several centimeters from the trunk to prevent rot. Prune lightly to remove dead or crossing branches; major pruning is best done by a qualified arborist. If you live in a fire-prone area, follow local council advice—create defensible space and avoid planting highly flammable understorey near structures.

Watch for pests and disease. Psyllids, lerp insects and scale can affect eucalyptus and wattles. Early removal of affected leaves and targeted treatments help. For any chemical use, follow label instructions and consider organic alternatives first.

Where to see great examples? Head to national parks: the tall eucalypt forests in Victoria’s Otways and Gippsland, karri forests in southwest Western Australia, and rainforests in Queensland and New South Wales. Urban areas like Sydney and Melbourne have excellent street plantings and botanic gardens that show a variety of native species.

Want to learn more? Join a local bushcare group or visit a botanic garden. Seeing trees in different seasons is the best teacher. Try identifying one new species each month—your knowledge and local backyard habitat will grow fast.