- Mature height
- 15m to 30m (approx.)
- Mature width
- 10m to 20m
Eucalyptus melliodora produces the nectar behind Yellow Box honey, widely regarded as the finest honey in Australia. Masses of creamy-white flowers appear through spring and summer and are worked relentlessly by bees, honeyeaters and lorikeets.
The Yellow Box grows fast at 1 to 1.5 metres per year, reaching 15 to 30 metres tall and 10 to 20 metres wide, with a spreading open canopy of fine grey-green foliage over smooth mottled bark that sheds in yellow, grey and brown patches. It is a mainstay of shelterbelt and revegetation planting.
This Australian native is frost hardy, surviving heavy and frequent frost without damage, and tolerates drought, poor soils and heavy clay once established. It grows in full sun and is a key species in the endangered Box-Gum Grassy Woodland community.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Eucalyptus melliodora
How big does Eucalyptus melliodora grow?
The Yellow Box reaches 15 to 30 metres tall and 10 to 20 metres wide. It is a large tree suited to rural properties, parkland and revegetation rather than suburban gardens.
Why is Yellow Box famous for honey?
Its nectar produces Yellow Box honey, prized for its mild flavour and slow candying, and widely regarded as Australia's finest table honey. Commercial apiarists follow the flowering.
How fast does Yellow Box grow?
It grows at 1 to 1.5 metres per year, which is fast, and delivers useful canopy and shelter within four to five years of planting.
Is Eucalyptus melliodora frost hardy?
Yes. It survives heavy and frequent frost without damage and also tolerates drought, heavy clay and poor soils once established.
Is Yellow Box an important habitat tree?
Yes. It is a key species in Box-Gum Grassy Woodland, an endangered ecological community, and mature trees provide hollows for parrots, owls and gliders.
What does the bark look like?
Bark is smooth and mottled, shedding in patches of yellow, grey and brown, with rough persistent bark often retained on the lower trunk.
How far apart should I plant Yellow Box?
Plant 8 to 10 metres apart for a shelterbelt or revegetation planting, and at least 15 metres from buildings and services given the eventual canopy spread.