It is easily recognised in the field by its form, large, white, waxy leaves and, when in flower, its stamens clustered in four groups.

[2][4][5][6][7] Eucalyptus pleurocarpa was first formally described in 1844 by Johannes Conrad Schauer in Lehmann's book, Plantae Preissianae from specimens collected near Cape Riche.

The sub-group also includes E. erythrocorys[14] Eucalyptus pleurocarpa is found at two different locations on the undulating sandplains of south-western Western Australia from Eneabba in the Wheatbelt region in the north and between Albany and Esperance in the Great Southern and Goldfields-Esperance regions to the south.

Associated eucalypt species include E. decipiens, E. falcata, E. hebetifolia, E. incrassata, E. thamnoides, E. uncinata and E.

[16] This eucalypt is classified as "not threatened" by the Western Australian Government Department of Parks and Wildlife.

It is drought tolerant but is susceptible to frost and can grow in a range of soils in a full sun position.