Thanks to the Gold Rush...

"It was during the gold rush that the eucalyptus was introduced into California as new immigrants began to cut down our precious stands of pine, oak, & redwood leaving mostly scrub bushes. As easterners and immigrants from other lands, they were also unused to seeing largely treeless landscapes and referred to California as barren. Fast-growing eucalyptus' stepped in to fill the void and quickly became popular for their shade, beauty and the quality of their wood."

Despite the fact that they can be "messy," I love these trees.
They bring back fond memories of my time in Australia. I still have some gum nuts that were sent to me by an Aussie friend to be used on my Christmas Tree.
I spotted this one near a parking lot this morning. I'm at the airport headed back to AZ now- can't wait to just sleep!