[1][2] Evergreen, small-leaved shrub with an open habit, reaching 8-10 feet high or more at maturity.

The leaves, which are obovate in shape, are a dark glossy green.

[1] Baccharis is an ancient Greek name of dubious etymological origins.

It is a cognate of βακχος (Bacchus), and may be in reference to the ritualistic frenzies, called bakkheia, which are inspired by that god.

The name is ostensibly in reference to the spicy smell of the roots of plants in this genus.