Native to Western Australia, this tree attains an average height of 5 m, with several stems from the base. When grown in cultivation it can grow as a single stem to 7 m. It exists on loamy soils and is frequently found on the margins of salmon gum forests in open thickets. It occurs in areas with an average annual rainfall of 200 - 500 mm and is frost tolerant. It grows in most soils including salt affected ones.
It produces an abundance of pollen from June to October and sometimes as late as January It is considered a good street tree in arid conditions. Being relatively small it does not interfere with power lines but is attractive in full flower, having both a yellow and red flowering form.