A small (to 9 m) tree, usually with a short stem, but sometimes remains a small (2 - 3 m) shrub. Rainfall varies from 250 - 1000 mm. It is tolerant of frost and will grow on dry ridges, poor coastal sands, rocky ground and saline soils. It will grow in wind and salt spray affected coastal sites. It is native to South Australia, Victoria and southern New South Wales and is relatively fast growing.
It makes a good emergency fodder and the coppiced stump is reported to produce shoots vigorously. It is a tree with low fire retardant potential and generally recovers from fire. The wood is heavy, hard and fissile and is an outstanding wood for turnery. It was used for bullock yokes, wheel spokes, tool handles, staves and shingles. It is suitable for fence posts and is a good fuel wood.