Cryptandra recurva is an erect, spreading shrub that typically grows to a height of 20–70 cm (7.9–27.6 in), and has its young stems densely covered with tiny, star-shaped hairs.

The flowers are white, cream-coloured or off-white, sometimes pink and arranged in clusters of 3 to 15, with about 5 broadly egg-shaped floral bracts 1.0–1.5 mm (0.039–0.059 in) long.

Flowering occurs from June to November, and the fruit is a schizocarp 2.0–2.5 mm (0.079–0.098 in) long and densely hairy.

[2][3] Cryptandra recurva was first formally described in 1995 by Barbara Lynette Rye in the journal Nuytsia from specimens collected on the Salmon Gums - Lake King road in 1974.

[2][3] Cryptandra recurva is listed as "not threatened" by the Government of Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.