How to Use Eucalyptus Leaves

Eucalyptus trees can be enormous, and when they are, their leaf drop can be extensive. If you have a eucalyptus tree (‌Eucalyptus‌ spp., USDA hardiness zones 7 to 10) in or near your yard, finding a way to use the leaves could mean you don’t have to rake them up and dispose of them.

A lot of anecdotal material regarding the many uses for eucalyptus leaves is on the internet, but it’s best to depend on experts in this case because eucalyptus contains toxic compounds that are poisonous to some animals.

About Eucalyptus Trees

Most of the 700 Eucalyptus species originated in Australia. It is a member of the Myrtaceae family, all of which have glands that contain various essential oils. Most species are not cold hardy and so are planted in the coastal or tropical south. They are fast growing with attractive, peeling bark and blue-green leaves.

Eucalyptus trees grow best in mild, temperate climates. In tropical areas, they prefer high, cool elevations.

In the U.S., they have been planted along roads and for windbreaks, especially in California along the coastal areas from Humboldt County to San Diego and in the state’s Central Valley. Hawaii also has extensive plantings on the islands of Hawaii and Maui.

Two common varieties include the ubiquitous Tasmanian blue gum tree (‌Eucalyptus globulu‌s), which is the “type” species for the ‌Eucalyptus‌ genus in multiple locations around the world, and the silver dollar (‌Eucalyptus cinerea‌, zones 8 to 11), prized for its round, silver leaves.

Using Eucalyptus Leaves in the Garden

What do you do if you have eucalyptus trees dropping huge piles of leaves in your yard? While some sources on the internet claim that their toxicity prohibits their use in compost or as mulch, this information is inaccurate. According to the University of California research, they can be used in both capacities.

Add the fresh leaves to a compost pile where they act as green plant material and provide nitrogen. If they are already dried, they provide carbon, as do other dried leaves.

You can also use these leaves as mulch on woody landscape plants to suppress weeds.

Forest and Kim Starr, CC 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Medicinal or Other Uses for Eucalyptus Leaves

The fresh, pungent scent of eucalyptus oil is immediately recognizable, as the eucalyptus plant is used in aromatherapy and is widely available commercially. The leaves are used in potpourris, wreaths and floral arrangements.

Eucalyptus Leaves in Medicine

Eucalyptus has been used for centuries in various medical capacities, and this use has been proven to be more than an old wives’ tale.

Its leaves contain essential oils that have a long list of biological and pharmacological properties, including being antimicrobial, antioxidant, antihistaminic and anti-inflammatory, among many other properties, reports a study published by the National Library of Medicine.

In addition to essential oils in thyme, anise, fennel, peppermint and tea tree, the study reports that eucalyptus oil is effective in treating simple respiratory tract diseases including colds, coughs and bronchitis. It is an ingredient in various commercially available cough, sinus and decongestant medicines such as VapoRub. It is also an astringent used in some mouthwashes and is also incorporated into various insect repellents.