[2] It grows as a resinous, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree, 0.6 to 7 metres (2 to 23 ft) in height, with grey or reddish-brown minni ritchi bark.

[1] The plant normally has a V-shaped form with an openly branched spreading crown at times with sparse foliage present.

The pods are 2 to 10 cm (0.8 to 3.9 in) in length and 7 to 15 mm (0.28 to 0.59 in) wide, they are sticky with resin and have a sweetly aromatic smell.

[2] The species was first formally described as Acacia monticola by the botanist John McConnell Black in 1937 as part of the work Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of South Australia.

[1] It occurs on red sand, ironstone or lateritic soils in pindan, and on stony plains and rocky ridges.