Eucalyptus mimicks?

[BudgieBudgie]

Is there a tree that looks like eucalyptus but is poisonous to budgies? I'm hoping some arbor experts can help me find out.

I'm familiar with eucalyptus from my time in Arizona: Very popular nonnative, gorgeous, and just about the only thing above 30' that grows there (hence the popularity). What I'm not familiar with is seeing it in Washington State. But there's one tree in one park that I could swear was the real deal!

I've heard there's a eucalyptus that survives frost. We never see temperatures below 10 degrees Fahrenheit, so I suppose the tree could survive here. So, hurray, possibly! I could give my budgies eucalyptus maybe!

I'm only worried that the tree is a dangerous mimic. I wouldn't want to poison my birds! The tree looks like this type of eucalyptus
http://sp1.yt-thm-a01.yimg.com/image/25/m6/3535302474

[BUUZBEE]

can u post a bigger photo?

eucalyptus comes in a few varieties of leaves... i have a "silver dollar" so it has big round leaves, but down the street there is a grove with the long leaves like your pic.

I would say cut a clipping and take it to your local nursury, they should be able to answer.

Have you seen any of the seed pods on it?

hope this helps too
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucalyptus

[BudgieBudgie]

Thanks for the advice. I'll grab a clipping the next time and there's a nice big nursery down the street.

Unfortunately I do not have a picture of the actual tree in the park. That thumbnail is just a picture of a eucalyptus tree that looks like the tree in my park.

[BUUZBEE]

the problem with public trees, is you dont know what pesticides they spay... :(

[BudgieBudgie]

On you advice, I just called the nursery and they said that there are eucalyptus here and my description does sound like one! And there aren't any trees that look similar... But to bring in a leaf so they can verify for me. Happy day! :D:budgie::p

[BudgieBudgie]

the problem with public trees, is you dont know what pesticides they spay... :(

The park is a bird sanctuary. If they sprayed any chemicals, it would be a criminal act. :mad::eek: So I should hope none.

[birdybuddy1]

Can you smell it? Eucalyptus has a really definite scent! :)

[BUUZBEE]

The park is a bird sanctuary. If they sprayed any chemicals, it would be a criminal act. :mad::eek: So I should hope none.

even better!

I've never heard of a mimic tree, so i'd be 99.9% sure its a gum tree for them! hey, they grow in the UK, they can grow in WA!

[BudgieBudgie]

So I brought a branch along with a flower and they called in their resident arbor specialist (Greg, from the back :p) and they checked it against Tree of Heaven, etc. and against the eucalyptus information/pictures and it looks like it is! Yay! And there are no known similar trees to them outside of the eucalyptus family.

Happy day!

[Whistle&Steve]

Next time I go to our nrsery I'm going to buy a eucalyptus tree because they sell them here.

[Tiger]

If you're not sure, pick a leaf and crumple it in your hand. And if you're not in Australia at the time, watch out you don't get mugged by a lot of homesick Aussies, if you really have got a eucalyptus tree!

We have eucalyptus trees which grow in snow country - snow gums are one example. Blue gums grow in the mountains too. I think the eucalyptus oil in the leaves and twigs are like anti-freeze.

But where your birds are concerned, it really pays to be careful and to get expert advice.

Now you know it's definitely eucalyptus, check over the tree for dead twigs & small branches. They often drop this sort of stuff too, it's not necessarily a sign of a dying tree, not with eucalyptus. Also the bark - they shed their bark every year. I use scrolls of the bark (where it's really thick, like half an inch or more) for the birds to chew.

[BudgieBudgie]

Neat idea! I will keep an eye out for bark chews. :D