The Grey Ironbark can be found on the NSW east coast and ranges extending from near the Victorian border to the mid north coast of NSW. In HSC restricted to shale capped ridges and plateaus chiefly around Epping north to Arcadia, on heavy shale derived soil.  

A medium sized to tall tree with an open crown of grey/green like foliage preferring soils of higher fertility. Grows to around 50m. The trunk has heavy rough persistent furrowed bark to the smaller branches which are conversely smooth. Thin grey/green leaves are slightly discolorous and taper to a fine point; they range from 8–12 cm long and 1.2–3cm in width. Flowers through late autumn to summer (May-January), fruit are relatively small capsules with valves level to the rim or very slightly exserted usually 5 sometimes 4 valves. The disc is relatively quite broad and flat.

Trees have been found to live in excess of 100 years. Rarely utilised in horticulture this tree makes a useful addition in a park or large yard situation. Drought tolerant from a young age. Much sort after tree for its high quality timber. Timber is highly regarded as a quality wood due to its strength and durability. A popular tree with apiarists for honey production.

It does not flower every year, typically has large flowering events every few years when there is mass synchronous flowering across the local landscape; when this occurs this tree is an important source of pollen and nectar for a wide variety of fauna, this is particularly important since it often flowers in cooler months of the year when other nectar sources are absent.