Field ManualAll plants

Water gum
Tristaniopsis laurina (Sm.) Peter G.Wilson & J.T.Waterh.
Family: Myrtaceae
Pet & Human Safety
People: No hazard foundPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them
Not assessed for pets. Do not treat as pet-safe.
PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.
Poison control
If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.
Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.
Naturalist Lore
Historical Background & Breeding Lore
The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.
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- Hardiness zones
Not checked yet
- Light
Full sun to light shade; growth is more rapid in full sun (ANBG).
- Water needs
moderate moderate is a plain-language reading of the sources: ANBG says it tolerates many soils provided ample water is available; Botanic Gardens of SA lists "moderate" supplementary watering and moist, well-drained soil. Always finger-test two inches down.
- Mature size
ANBG: 5-15 m tall, slow-growing, rarely large in southern Australia. Botanic Gardens of SA: height 3-10 m, spread 3-5 m. Northern Beaches Council: 4-7 m.
How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.
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Botanical Anatomy & Characteristics
How the flowers and leaves are built and which pollinators visit, where we have them.
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Field Doctor
What can go wrong with this plant and what to do about it, where we have them.
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Vintage Plates
Old botanical drawings from public libraries are in the app, for plants where we have them.
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