A tall tree (25 - 40 m with diameters of 1 - 2 m), the tuart's natural occurrence is restricted to a very narrow belt of coastal South Western Australia (rainfall 800 - 900 mm). It has, however, proven in trials, to be very adaptable to different soil and rainfall regimes. It does especially well on sandy soils. In trials in Esperance it has outgrown pines and is also reported to be doing well at Corrigin (300 - 400 mm rainfall). Tuart is widely planted throughout the world to stabilise sand dunes and for wind protection (it is wind firm). It will tolerate slightly saline soils but not waterlogging.
Its natural understorey species are Swan River peppermint (Agonis flexuosa), sheoak (Casuarina fraserana) and various banksia species. Its companion trees include; jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata), marri (Eucalyptus calophylla), yate (Eucalyptus cornuta) and Western Australian flooded gum (Eucalyptus rudis).
The wood seasons well, is very hard, strong, tough and very durable and relatively termite resistant. It is one of the densest known woods. It is a good timber for exposure to weather and has been sought after for use in carriages and truck trays. It was used in ship building and bridge construction because of its strength.