The eucalyptus tree is a common sight in northeast Carlsbad in an area known as Hosp Grove.  Hundreds and hundreds as a matter of fact.

You will see a smattering of them in some other areas, and large quantities in communities like Rancho Santa Fe, Scripps Ranch, Olivenhain (Encinitas) and La Jolla (especially near UCSD). I have one in my yard and there are a bunch along my street here in La Costa.

Like the palm tree, they remind many visitors of the Southern California, and in some ways seem as much a part of the vegetation as the palm trees, possibly the most recognizable symbol of our region.

And I suspect many associate koala bears with eucalyptus trees - after all it is pretty much their entire diet (no koalas in SoCal except at the San Diego Zoo, as far as I know). Eucalyptus also makes us think of cough drops, deodorizers, and mosquito repellant - the oil is a common additive.

Eucalyptus trees are very fragrant, especially the bark, and can be used as a natural freshener. And like many other Southern California trees they don't drop their leaves and retain their color year round (a pleasant sight for us former Easterners accustomed to all trees save the evergreens getting naked in the winter).

Many are not aware that the eucalyptus tree is not native to Califonia (they are native to Australia and some other islands in the South Pacific), nor is the palm tree for that matter.

The big surprise for most folks is that the eucalyptus trees were planted in Carlsbad by a fellow named Hosp (hence the name of the grove in northeast Carlsbad as the street name) and intended to be used for building the railroad after the turn of the century. They grow quickly, and tall, and seemed ideal.

No such luck. The wood is not suitable for use as railroad ties (it cracks and splits easily) so the plan was abandoned.

Hosp Grove remains, having become city owned back in the 80s and is now parkland and open space with a hiking trail, one of many parks in Carlsbad. A last little tidbit - this year is the 100th birthday of these trees in Carlsbad.

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I must credit Kathy McGraw, who I met in person yesterday here in Carlsbad - what fun - for the inspiration for this post.

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All content copyright © 2008 Jeff Dowler Carlsbad Homes and Real Estate Tidbits