Burnaluk is a wattle which grows from 5 to 30 metres tall with rough, dark-grey bark and dark green leaves. It flowers from July to October with stems of ball-shaped cream flowers.

The Wurundjeri-woiwurung would use their wood to make shields and spear throwers and their inner bark to make fishing line.

It grows best in deep moist soil, but can grow reliably in many soil types. It grows in full sun to semi-shade and is highly frost tolerant, thus thriving in open, cooler highland areas.