Red Flowering Gum Tree in San Francisco 2025
In spite of its name, a red gum blooms with bright red, pink, orange and even white flowers
Best time: July–August
Red Flowering Gum trees (Corymbia ficifolia) are among the most striking and colorful trees in San Francisco. Native to a small region in Western Australia, they thrive extensively in San Francisco's coastal climate, which mimics their native environment. These trees are frost-tolerant, withstanding temperatures down to the mid-20s, making them ideal as urban street trees. Their vibrant blooms and adaptability have led to widespread use throughout San Francisco and other coastal California cities.
Blooming Season
July and August are the ideal months to visit San Francisco to witness the Red Flowering Gum trees in full bloom. During this late summer period, the trees display vibrant clusters of red, orange, pink, or white flowers rich in nectar and attracting pollinators. Each tree showcases unique flower colors, as their hues are not reliably reproduced from seeds, adding to their charm and allure in the city's landscape.
Locations
Red Flowering Gum trees are a striking presence in San Francisco, flourishing in neighborhoods, parks, and iconic locations.
- San Francisco Botanical Garden: Located in Golden Gate Park, the garden is open daily from 7:30 am to 6 pm. Free admission is available from 7:30 am to 9 am; otherwise, tickets are $20.75 for adults.
- Golden Gate Park: Open 24 hours a day, this expansive park has many Red Flowering Gum trees among its diverse plant life.
- The Presidio: This historic park offers a view of the trees against the backdrop of San Francisco Bay.
- St. Francis Wood: Specifically, it is along the Monterey Boulevard median near Junipero Serra Boulevard, which features one of Northern California's largest specimens.
- Fort Mason: A waterfront site where the trees contribute to the scenic views.
- SoMa: Harrison and 18th Streets are noted for their Red Flowering Gums.
- Divisadero and O'Farrell Streets: A well-known urban area showcases these colorful trees.
- Lake Street and Bay Street: These streets are lined with Red Flowering Gum trees, adding vibrancy to the neighborhoods.
- Mission High School: Located in the Mission District, the area around the school features these trees.
Urban Challenges
San Francisco’s unique microclimate, with mild temperatures, regular fog, and slightly alkaline soil, provides ideal conditions for the growth of Red Flowering Gum trees, which thrive in similar environments in their native Western Australia. However, their reproduction from cuttings is challenging, resulting in wide variation in flower colors. The tree produces large, woody, pipe-bowl-shaped seed capsules that remain on branches after the blooming season until the next summer. Despite their beauty, San Francisco has largely stopped planting Red Flowering Gums in recent years due to their wide trunks, which require significant sidewalk cuts, making them unsuitable for many urban spaces.
Other Plants
San Francisco is home to several unique trees and plants, including the red flowering gum. A tour through Golden Gate Park allows visitors to observe some of the oldest and tallest trees in the city, such as the Monterey Cypress and Blue Gum eucalyptus. San Francisco Silk Tassel, California poppy, and Douglas iris are also interesting plants to observe in the city.
