Phebalium whitei is a small shrub that is endemic to south-east Queensland.

Phebalium whitei is a shrub that typically grows to a height of about 1 m (3 ft 3 in) and has silvery to rust-coloured scales on its branchlets.

In 1970 Paul Wilson raised the variety to species status in the journal Nuytsia and gave it the name Phebalium whitei in honour of C.T.

[2][5] This phebalium occurs in the Stanthorpe region of south-east Queensland, where it is found in damp areas such as in cracks in flat expanses of granite or along creek banks, sometimes also in open heathland.

The main threats to the species are inappropriate fire regimes and increasing visitor pressure in Girraween National Park.