The lemon scented gum tree is a wonderful Eucalyptus relative. Tall, open canopy, smooth bark, I really like the looks. The Capitola Mall is planted with lots of them and they seem to be very happy there. Capable of growing 100' tall, they usually hit about 60' in cultivation. The lower half or more of the tree is usually leafless. On younger trees the and older ones for that matter, the foliage tends to be on the outer edges of the canopy.
Leaves are evergreen, alternate, simple, lanceolate to falcate, about 6-7" long. Variable to say the least. At least on different trees.
Flowers are small, whitish in clusters of 3. These buds fell to the ground, otherwise they are 50 feet up.
This color was found on many of the trees in SLO during summer.
Misidentification:
Fragrance of the foliage is important to consider, and the trunk is key as well, though not the only one with smooth bark.
Location:
Capitola Mall