While superficially similar to the closely related A. lebbek, which has an overlapping native range, A. canescens can be distinguished by several features.

[2] The shrub form appears to develop as a result of coppice regeneration following burning and enables the species to survive in the eucalypt savannas of Northern Australia which are subject to frequent fire.

Albizia canescens is endemic to Northern Australia in a belt from The Kimberley across the Top End to Rockhampton in Central Queensland.

[1] The species appears to have been more common in the past, and the apparent decline may be due to increased fire and browsing pressure from introduced herbivores.

In the early 20th century it was used to some degree as a source of high quality cabinet timber, although this use has apparently ceased,[2] possibly due to a decline in abundance.