A many-branched shrub to 1.5m tall found growing in poor open sites amongst manuka and sedges. It is a short-lived early colonizer of disturbed areas.

Young stems and buds are usually covered in dense white hairs.

Leaves: Small, usually less than 10cm long and recurved almost to the midrib.

Flowers: Cream to pale yellow and lack petals; 4-5mm in diameter, grouped in clusters. Fruit is a 4mm long capsule. Flowers Oct-Nov and fruits Nov-Jan.