Eucalyptus vernicosa is the smallest of all the eucalypt species, a shrub growing to a maximum height of 4 metres, but is typically shorter than 1 metre.

Eucalyptus vernicosa is endemic to the mountainous areas of South West Tasmania, between 800–1200 metres. The stunted height of this species is one of its adaptations to this alpine climate, but it also has sessile buds and leaves, a thickened lamina and dark colour.