Small native trees

Story by Angus Stewart

Discover small to mid-sized native trees that deserve a place in your suburban backyard.

Shrinking suburban gardens have increased our need for smaller trees to soften the landscape without bringing the problems that large trees potentially create, such as invasive root systems and falling branches. Australia has a wealth of small trees in many different shapes and sizes that can create shade, wildlife habitat and aesthetic beauty in the garden, and with minimal maintenance if you choose wisely. It’s also vital to choose a species that is suited to your climate, as well as paying attention to the climatic extremes of heatwaves and precipitation that are becoming more frequent with climate change. Here are a few recommendations from native plant expert Angus Stewart:

Large-fruited yellow gum (Eucalyptus leucoxylon subsp. megalocarpa)

Eye-catching red or pink flowers cover this tree for most of the year, attracting local birds, bees and other insects. Native to western Victoria and South Australia, and with a spreading but relatively compact habit, it’s a gorgeous specimen tree for southern states. Large-fruited yellow gum (above) adapts to a range of soil types and flowers best in full sun. It grows 8m high and 5m wide.

Red-capped gum (Eucalyptus erythrocorys)

Also called illyarrie, this tree features large (up to 7cm across) bright yellow flowers with red caps. The flowers are followed by distinctive helmet-shaped fruit. It’s a straggly, small tree in its natural habitat in the coastal area north of Perth. Tip prune in its first few years to promote a more compact shape with lots of flowers. It’s best suited to the drier climates of southern Australia, as it dislikes high humidity. It grows 4–6m high and 5m wide.

Kurrajong (Brachychiton populneus)

This compact, semi-deciduous tree has lush green foliage and tolerates drought – useful characteristics for inland areas. Cream-and-pink bell-shaped flowers are followed by boat-shaped pods holding yellow seeds, which can be eaten after removing the irritating hairs that surround them in the pod. Kurrajong has no major pest issues and is an option for all climates. It can withstand severe frost while being adaptable to a wide range of soils but requires reasonable drainage. It grows 8–12m high and 4–6m wide.