Understanding intraspecific variation in the vulnerability of the xylem to hydraulic failure during drought is critical in predicting the response of forest tree species to climate change. However, few studies have assessed intraspecific variation in this trait, and a likely limitation is the large number of measurements required to generate the standard ‘vulnerability curve’ used to assess hydraulic failure. Here we explore an alternative approach that requires fewer measurements, and assess within species variation in leaf xylem vulnerability in Eucalyptus globulus Labill., an ecologically and economically important species with known genetic variation in drought tolerance. Using this approach we demonstrate significant phenotypic differences and evidence of plasticity among two provenances with contrasting drought tolerance.