A reasonably fast growing, nitrogen fixing tree, attaining heights of 35 m and trunk diameters of up to 1.5 m in ideal conditions, in the lowlands of Tasmania. It occurs naturally in eastern Australia in conditions ranging from lowland swamps to higher hill slopes and tablelands and even exposed mountain tops, in areas receiving average rainfalls from 750 - 1500 mm. Altitudes range from near sea level to 1500 m.
As a large tree it grows as understorey to Eucalyptus regnans, Eucalyptus obliqua, Eucalyptus viminalis, Nothofagus cunninghamii and Nothofagus moorei In areas of open forest, it grows as a smaller tree and in mountain heath it is a small shrub. Blackwood has the ability to coppice and to form root suckers.
The timber is generally easily worked, turns well, has a sheen and dresses to a smooth finish which takes a high polish and is well suited to high quality furniture and cabinet making. It is also regarded as a good bending timber. It is not a good fire wood.
Blackwood is considered slightly salt tolerant.