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However, in some regions, gums are considered an invasive species.

In landscaping, gums are typically used as shade trees or specimen trees.

Gum trees with white-colored bark on tall trunks and long branches by lake

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A tree with this structure is called amallee.

Warning

Despite the enticing aroma, eucalyptus leaves and bark are toxic to humans and pets.

The shabby-barked tree has blue-green leaves and a distinctive menthol scent common to many gum species.

Blue gum trees with pale trunks and green foliage

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In some places (especially California), the blue gum is consideredinvasive, and planting it is discouraged.

It doesn’t have the menthol scent found in many gum trees.

The trunk is twisted, and it blooms with clusters of white flowers in late fall and early winter.

White and yellow flowers of the dwarf apple gum tree

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This tree may also be found as a mallee, forming a base tuber from which it can re-sprout.

The bark is white to pinkish-copper, shedding in thin flakes, and the lance-shaped leaves are glossy green.

The tree has an elegant, stately shape that makes it a favorite in public gardens and large landscapes.

Lemon-scented gums with gray bark and green foliage

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This species forms a lignotuber.

This is one of the few gum tree types that can tolerate cooler climates.

The orange-tinted bark peels away to reveal hues of green, yellow, and purplish-brown below the surface.

Manna gum tree with white bark and green foliage

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A scarlet cap covers the yellow blossoms before they open, lending the tree its common name.

It belongs to a category of eucalyptus known as a bloodwood, named for the color of its sap.

This plant has attractive, twisted branches that make it an excellent specimen tree.

Rainbow gum tree with variegated brown park and green leaves

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It does well in poor, sandy soils but adapts well to any well-drained soil.

This tree is not true to its species name, however, which translates to “few flowers.”

It often forms a lignotuber.

Vibrant yellow flowers and red buds of the red cap gum tree

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The smooth, mottled bark forms a distinctive spotted pattern.

Gum trees are not used to make chewing gum.

Some types of eucalyptus trees grow in Hawaii and California.

Red flowering Gum tree with red flowers and green leaves

Danita Delimont / Getty Images

Eucalyptus trees make up most of the species of gum trees.

The most distinguishing characteristic of a gum or eucalyptus tree is its pronounced shaggy, stringy bark.

However, some gum trees have extremely smooth bark.

Salmon gum tree with salmon-colored bark and dark green foliage

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Gum tree leaves may also have a distinctive menthol scent when crushed.

North Carolina State Extension.

What is chewing gum made of?BBC Science Focus Magazine.

Silver dollar gum tree branches in a silver-blue hue

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Scribbly gum tree with squiggle marks in its pale bark

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Snow gum trees multicolored bark

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Spotted gum trees with pale bark and green leaves

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