Corymbia opaca is a tree, rarely a mallee, that typically grows to a height of 3–15 m (9.8–49.2 ft) and forms a lignotuber.

[4][6][7] The specific epithet (opaca) is derived from the Latin word opacus meaning "darkened, dull, not shining or opaque".

[9] To the extent that the species can be reliably differentiated, C. terminalis has thinner leaves, larger buds and fruit and thicker pedicels than C.

[7] Corymbia opaca occurs in scattered population in desert areas of the southwest Kimberley, Pilbara and northern desert regions of Western Australia, in central and southern parts of the Northern Territory (particularly around Alice Springs) and in the Mann and Musgrave Ranges in the far northwest of South Australia.

[7][10][11] This eucalypt is classified as "not threatened" by the Western Australian Government Department of Parks and Wildlife and as "least concern" in South Australia.

[3][12] Occasionally a bloodwood tree will shed a piece of bark, hence opening a "wound" through which a blood-like kino will flow.