It has linear, pinnatipartite leaves, yellow and pink flowers in heads of about forty and hairy, wrinkled follicles.

Flowering occurs from July to September and the follicles are elliptical, 5–6 mm (0.20–0.24 in) long, wrinkled and densely hairy.

[2][3] This species was first formally described in 1855 by Carl Meissner who gave it the name Dryandra serratuloides and published the description in Hooker's Journal of Botany and Kew Garden Miscellany from specimens collected by James Drummond.

[10][11] Banksia serratuloides grows in kwongan or open shrubland and occurs in two disjunct areas between Eneabba and Mogumber.

[3] Subspecies perissa is found between Alexander Morrison National Park, Badgingarra and Boothendarra Hill.