Pinocarvone is an important component in the essential oils of Eucalyptus globulus.

[2] It is also found at a few percent in essential oils of other eucalyptus species.

[4] Pinocarvone is also present in the pheromone of the Western Pine Beetle (Dendroctonus brevicomis) along with frontalin, verbenone, and myrtenol.

[5] Under the influence of light or heat, pinocarvone polymerizes by reaction of its double bond to form a resin.

Polymerization can also be carried out deliberately, for example by heating the compound in anisole.