Eucalyptus globulus, the Tasmanian bluegum,southern blue-gumor blue gum, is an evergreen tree, one of the most widely cultivated trees native to Australia. They typically grow from 30–55m (98–180 ft) tall. The tallest currently known specimen in Tasmania is 90.7m (298 ft) tall.There are historical claims of even taller trees, the tallest being 101m (331 ft).The natural distribution of the species includes Tasmania and southern Victoria (particularly the Otway Ranges and southern Gippsland).

The bark sheds often, peeling in large strips. The broad juvenile leaves are borne in opposite pairs on square stems. They are about 6 to 15cm long and covered with a blue-grey, waxy bloom, which is the origin of the common name "blue gum". The mature leaves are narrow, sickle-shaped and dark shining green. They are arranged alternately on rounded stems and range from 15–35cm (5.9–13.8 in) in length. The buds are top-shaped, ribbed and warty and have a flattened operculum (cap on the flower bud) bearing a central knob. The cream-coloured flowers are borne singly in the leaf axils and produce copious nectar that yields a strongly flavoured honey. The fruitsare woody and range from 1.5–2.5cm (0.59–0.98 in) in diameter. Numerous small seeds are shed through valves (numbering between 3 and 6 per fruit) which open on the top of the fruit. It produces roots throughout the soil profile, rooting several feet deep in some soils.