Wood Species Guide
Lemon-Scented Gum
Corymbia citriodora (syn. Eucalyptus citriodora)
Also called: Lemon Gum, Lemon-Scented Eucalyptus, Citriodora
What Lemon-Scented Gum looks like
Heartwood is light to medium brown, sometimes with a grayish or reddish tint. The sapwood is paler.
Grain and texture
Grain is interlocked and sometimes wavy, with a medium texture and a slightly greasy feel. Fiddleback figure shows up in some boards.
Working Lemon-Scented Gum: planing, cutting and gluing
Hard and heavy, with interlocked grain that can tear out, so use sharp carbide and light final passes. Glue soon after machining. Despite the name, the dry wood has little smell; the lemon scent is in the leaves.
Finishing Lemon-Scented Gum: oil, film finishes and epoxy
Takes oil and film finishes well. Wipe with acetone before epoxy or a film finish because of its slightly greasy surface. It grays outdoors without a UV oil.
Durability, stability and Florida humidity
The heartwood is regarded as durable above ground and is used for decks and poles in Australia. Sapwood is much less durable. In Florida, keep it off the ground and seal the end grain.
Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop
Lemon-scented gum is a close cousin of spotted gum and is sold for much the same work: decks, floors, tool handles and outdoor furniture. The tree is grown as an ornamental in warm climates, but lumber rarely reaches the US. We don't stock it, but ask us and we can often source it.
Common uses for Lemon-Scented Gum
Flooring, decking, poles, structural timber, tool handles and outdoor furniture.
Sustainability and CITES status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List.
Safety and toxicity
- Skin irritation
Skin irritation is reported occasionally. Few other reports exist.
- In the shop
- Dust collection + mask when sanding
- Food contact
- Use with care for cutting boards, bowls and utensils
General information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have a reaction.
Skin irritation has been reported, but serious reactions are uncommon. Use dust collection and a mask.
Lemon-Scented Gum in stock now
Ask us. We can often source it.
We don't have Lemon-Scented Gum listed online right now, but new slabs and lumber come in all the time and not everything makes it to the website. Tell us what you're building and we'll check our racks and suppliers.
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