The phyllodes (a modified flat leaf-like structure arising through an expanded petiole replacing the leaf blade) are 3–14 cm long and contain oil glands.

The lemon-yellow flowers occur as globular heads in clusters in the leaf axils.

A number of varieties are currently recognised within the species including:[1] Former varieties include: The cultivar Acacia leprosa 'Scarlet Blaze' is the only Australian wattle to have red inflorescences (all the rest are yellow or cream-coloured, except for Acacia purpureapetala, which has purple flowers).

Acacia leprosa is mentioned in The Australasian Sketcher of Saturday 19 June 1880 in part two of an article on the Mallee Country,[2] as one of the "beautiful shrubs"[citation needed] found in the region and identified by Mr Guilfoyle, director of the Melbourne Botanic Gardens.

[3] The species prefers a well-drained sunny or lightly shaded situation.