Eucalyptus ornata is a tree that typically grows to a height of 6–10 m (20–33 ft) but does not form a lignotuber.

[2][4][5][6] Eucalyptus ornata was first formally described in 1985 by Michael Crisp in the journal Nuytsia from material collected by Joan Taylor and Peter Ollerenshaw near Kondinin in 1983.

[6][7][8][9] The specific epithet (ornata) is from the Latin ornatus meaning "handsome" or "showy".

[10] Silver mallet grows in woodland on low hills and ridges to the east and north-east of Kondinin.

[2][4][5] This eucalypt is classified as "Priority Three" by the Government of Western Australia Department of Parks and Wildlife,[2] meaning that it is poorly known and known from only a few locations but is not under imminent threat.