A vigorous, nitrogen fixing small tree (4 - 10 m) adapted to saline and alkaline, heavy clay soils in arid and semi - arid areas of central and eastern Australia, with rainfalls from 125 - 600 mm and altitudes from 50 - 325 m. It is palatable to sheep and could be used as a reserve fodder. It produces a very hard timber, which is heavy, close grained, dark, reddish brown to almost black, beautifully marked and is suitable for furniture. It is useful also as fence posts and is an excellent firewood. The seed was roasted and eaten by the Aborigines. A good ornamental and windbreak.
Although it can form pure stands along water courses, its natural companions include: Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Eucalyptus microtheca, Eucalyptus largiflorens, Eucalyptus populnea, Acacia salicina, Acacia pendula and Casuarina cristala.