Eucalyptus livida is a malle or a small tree that typically grows to a height of 3 to 10 metres (10 to 33 ft) and forms a lignotuber.

The flower buds are arranged in leaf axils in groups of eleven or more on an unbranched peduncle 8–18 mm (0.31–0.71 in) long, the individual buds on pedicels 2–3 mm (0.079–0.118 in) long.

[4][5] The specific epithet (livida) is a Latin word meaning "bluish", or "lead-coloured" referring to the colour of the crown of this species.

[4][6] Wandoo mallee is found among decomposing rocky breakaway areas, growing in sandy-loamy soils over granite or ironstone.

It occurs in the central and southern goldfields, especially between Coolgardie, Norseman, Peak Charles and Hatters Hill, where it is sometimes the dominant species.