Their distinctive feature is flat, angular or winged branchlets which are entirely leafless except in young growth. They are rarely grown in gardens, though they were sent by early discoverers for growing under glass in England from 1803. It has been known to supply some drought fodder and also to have some minor value as timber. The common name of dogwood is one given to various quite unconnected plants and in this case is said to refer to the smell from the wood when burnt - it is no indication of its ornamental value.
Growth is helped by a twice-yearly dressing of blood and bone or a general fertiliser.
Most of the year the general effect is of a dense and softly drooping crown, with many thin branchlets somewhat tufted, and of a dull or greyish green. The slender trunk becomes dark and furrowed with age. This is a hardy and long-lived species in Canberra, and has survived severe droughts and storms. Adequate watering improves condition and flowering, as long as drainage is good. Flowers open about the third week of November and soon the branchlets are weighed down with masses of pea flowers 6 mm across.