The species, which is endemic to southern Australia, has an erect open habit, growing to between 0.5 and 3 metres or more high.

[2][3][4] The lanceolate or ovate leaves are opposite, coarsely toothed and have a glabrous upper surface.

It occurs on sand dunes along the coast of South Australia and into Victoria as far east as Wilsons Promontory.

[3] This form is a host plant of the bitter-bush blue butterfly (Theclinesthes albocincta).

The pubescent form may be used as a protective screen planting against salt-spray in coastal areas.