[2] This is a glandular, aromatic annual herb producing a hairy, erect stem which may approach two meters (80 inches) in height.

The leaves are linear in shape and sometimes toothed, the largest located near the base of the plant reaching 15 centimeters (6 inches) long.

The inflorescence bears several flower heads, each with a fringe of up to 13 red-veined white ray florets just under a centimeter long.

The center of each head is filled with protruding tubular disc florets with large dark anthers.

One variety or subspecies of B. plumosa is sometimes treated as a distinct species called Blepharizonia laxa.