This species is said to have the most variability in appearance and growing habitat of any of the Mediterranean Helichrysum species. The plants are described as being shrubby to sub-shrubby perennials growing approximately 50 cm high. Some of the subspecies do not even have the typical curry smell attributed to helichrysum. However, most have grey-green foliage, wooly stems covered in white hairs, and bright yellow flowers that bloom in March, with flowers present for much of the year. It is commonly cultivated in Spain, up to 1800 meters altitude.